A village church that has served its community since Norman times is under threat due to planned double yellow lines outside it.

That is the claim of lay minister Hilary Sturgeon, who says she has been a member of the congregation at Holy Cross, Binstead, for more than 50 years.

She says the safety concerns given by the Isle of Wight Council don't hold water and there has never been a problem outside the church.

Now she is calling on parishioners to have their say as consultation on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) closes tomorrow (Friday).

You can have your say HERE

A petition with more than 70 signatures is set to be handed to the council tomorrow (Friday)

The council says it is part of a wider programme of TROs across the east of the Isle of Wight.

Mrs Sturgeon said: "It is totally unnecessary and ill thought out.

"If these proposals go ahead, the impact on our local church will be considerable. This could in all eventuality, be the end of the Holy Cross.

"A church that has served Binstead and its community since Norman times.
"It will be virtually impossible to hold any large events and Sunday services would also create a significant problem for many members of the congregation.

"I understand that these proposals are based on 'safety considerations'.  I have worshipped at Holy Cross Church for over fifty years and am not aware of any safety issues during that time.   

"Vehicles move freely up and down Church Road with no problems at all."

Cllr Ian Dore, IW Council member for the area, said: "I have yet to be presented with evidence that justifies all the elements of the proposed amendment.

"Residents over the last few weeks have communicated some very heartfelt concerns and they have to be acknowledged.

"As an example, eye witnesses state that emergency vehicles and refuse collectors can get up and down Church Road with minimal hassle.

"Also its been suggested that if the verge was maintained properly, it appears that there would be more space available for road users.
"Many have genuine concerns that a full set of double yellow lines up Church Road, has the potential for dire consequences.

"These include lack of parking for church goers and visitors to the area; an increase in road speed as vehicles parked, serve to naturally calm this; and the shift of parking from Church Road to Quarr Road which in itself will result in safety issues."

What has the Isle of Wight Council said?

Earlier this month, the council issued a statement saying: "The council is publishing proposed minor changes to on-road parking in Ryde, Fishbourne, Brading, Bembridge, St Helens, Wootton and Seaview.

Today, a statement from the council said: "

“The Isle of Wight Council has a duty to ensure the efficient and safe movement of people, services and goods on the Island's highway.

“Requests for changes on the highway are submitted daily to the council by residents, businesses and town councils. All requests are assessed by highways engineers in respect of road safety, and then prioritised for funding.

“The process for introducing changes on the highway is regulated by the law. Every proposal is advertised in the press, inviting public feedback to be given within 28 days of the proposal notice.

"This is called a formal Traffic Road Order (TRO) consultation and a number covering different areas around Ryde are being considered.

“The end of the public consultation is followed by the IWC’s decision making process.

“It would not be appropriate to discuss individual TROs, and would encourage all interested parties to engage with the consultation via  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TRO3ryde  or by emailing pfi@iow.gov.uk.”