Twenty years down the road and we're no closer to relief

THE horrific coach crash in Alton has sparked fresh calls for a relief road to reduce the amount of traffic using the village.

Residents have spent more than 20 years fighting for a bypass which they say will bring an end to gridlock on roads around Alton Towers, which attracts more than two million visitors a year.

The new owners of Alton Towers, the Merlin group, told Alton Parish councillors that they wanted 12 months to consider whether a relief road to the eastern entrance of the theme park would be feasible for the village.

They had planned to meet councillors in January 2009, but Tony Moult, chairman of Alton Parish Council, is now hopeful the meeting will be brought forwards.

He said: "It is a dreadful shock and our prayers are with the family of the man who was killed.

"It is devastating for them. We haven't seen a crash of this scale in the village.

"I've been campaigning for 20 years for a relief road - especially for the coaches.

"The new owners of Alton Towers will have had 12 months to survey whether they think the relief road is feasible.

"We have a meeting with them scheduled for January but this accident might mean we have it earlier.

"Twenty years ago I proposed that the disused railway station from Denstone should be used for coaches going to Alton Towers, but nothing came of that.

"It is the larger vehicles that come through the village that we need to look at doing something about."

Stella Heritage lives in Alton, and was born in the house where the crash happened. She says the road is long overdue.

She said: "I didn't know what had happened until my sister rang me on Monday night

"We're used to the loud noises from the theme park, so thought it was something from there.

"The amount of traffic is frightening and I'm surprised there hasn't been more accidents.

"I was speaking to a delivery driver last week and he mentioned how bad the traffic was, even though it was a quiet day. It has come as a complete and utter shock for the village.

"I was born in the house where the coach fell and played in the garden as a child.

"I remember going to the first meeting about the relief road in Alton 20 years ago, yet nothing has been done."

Judy Kilgallon is the owner of the Tyth Barn House bed and breakfast in Alton.

She said: "Luckily our guests weren't here when the crash took place so they didn't see the devastation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were involved and it has come as a shock to everyone."

Alton Towers set up a recovery centre for those injured in the crash.

Russell Barnes, divisional director Alton Towers, said: "What happened on Monday was a tragic accident and we would like to express our sympathy to those who were injured and to the family of the man who died.

"I am hugely proud of the way that Alton Towers assisted the emergency services – it was a very harrowing situation and we dealt with it promptly and professionally.

"We were able to transfer a number of people with minor injuries to our staff canteen where they were assessed by medical personnel.

"We then gave them refreshment and while the police conducted interviews.

"Finally, after several hours, our employee transport drivers took them back to Peterborough.

"I think it would be fair to say that the emergency services were grateful for our support."

Traffic in Cheadle was brought to a standstill on Tuesday after cars heading for Alton Towers were diverted through the town.

The High Street, Ashbourne Road and Queen Street were three of the worst affected roads in the town following the diversion.