Woman uses local folklore to stop speeding drivers
BBCA woman who says she is obsessed with local folklore has made bear signs to warn drivers to slow down.
Penny Ballinger's property and utilities have been damaged in three separate car crashes outside her home on Morse Road in Drybrook, Forest of Dean, since 2021, which she blames on cars accelerating through spring water.
The signs are a reminder of the divisive 1889 story of a group of Cinderford residents killing circus bears following a rumour and blaming Ruardean residents, and Ballinger hopes they will encourage drivers to "look and think about what they're doing".
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) said it plans to address the issue this year after installing a roadside drain.
Two crashes caused damage to Ballinger's garden wall and a telegraph pole, leaving her without internet.
She said the crashes occurred on a 25-metre (82ft) stretch of road, which is "continually wet".
"The route down the hill is where people take their kids to school... we're very lucky that there hasn't been a fatal accident," she said.
Ballinger added she would like to see the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph after her car was damaged, causing her upset as she is disabled and needs it to "get about".
The Drybrook resident is concerned the issue is not being taken seriously by GCC.
"They've actually sort of very much put us off by saying we can't reduce the speed limit, that would cost £15,000," Ballinger said.
"There's a culvert at the bottom that doesn't fully empty, so the drains are constantly blocking. And whilst they can do temporary measures, they actually haven't addressed the problem in the long term."
Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways at GCC, said the council had taken action to address the issues caused by the natural spring, and further work was scheduled for this financial year.
Harris said a roadside drain was installed but springs can flow "in unpredictable ways", and work would be conducted to adapt the camber of the road.
"The road does not meet current criteria for a speed reduction, but please be assured we are paying close attention to the situation which we appreciate is frustrating for residents."
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