A number of Wheathampstead residents have complained to Hertfordshire County Council regarding a 'dangerous' bend in Harpenden Road, near Hilltop View.

After becoming frustrated by a lack of action, one woman has written to Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami to raise the issue.

Linda Holloway described how four incidents have taken place on the road in as many months.

She wrote in her letter to the MP: "I have lived in my house 22 years and there has been an occasional accident but nothing like this.

Herts Advertiser: Cllr Annie Brewster has since visited the location.Cllr Annie Brewster has since visited the location. (Image: Linda Holloway)

"Two months ago a van nearly came through our hedge.

"It has left an enormous hole but also left us feeling very insecure as regards our protection.

"The hedge stopped the van, we no longer have that security.

Herts Advertiser: Residents described how vehicles have driven into hedges, onto drives and into brick walls.Residents described how vehicles have driven into hedges, onto drives and into brick walls. (Image: Linda Holloway)

"Last night a car took out a lamp post and ended up wedged on a neighbours wall.

"Previous to that, again a van flew into a neighbours hedge.

"Each time these vehicles have had to be recovered by a crane. 

"The road markings are terrible, the 30mph speed sign needs moving further back and something definitely needs doing with road surface/speed cameras."

Another resident described how cars have been driven into a ditch, into a hedge, into a front drive and over a brick wall - into a bungalow.

Herts Advertiser: Cllr Annie Brewster has spoken with locals, and listened to potential solutions.Cllr Annie Brewster has spoken with locals, and listened to potential solutions. (Image: Linda Holloway)

Linda Holloway has since received a reply from Bim Afolami MP, and St Albans District Cllr Annie Brewster has visited the site.

Cllr Annie Brewster said: "There has been some deeply concerning driving on this hairpin bend, in both directions, with some motorists unable to negotiate it safely. 

"The consequence has been damage to property on both sides of the road, a lamp column taken out of use and a fear for residents’ and visiting walkers’ personal safety on pavements in this location. 

"As a rural village, we are aware Brewhouse Hill is used as a throughfare for many drivers not from Wheathampstead and I am determined to do all I can to make this village blackspot safer.”   

A spokesperson for Herts County Council told The Herts Advertiser: “We’re sorry to hear about these incidents.

"Fortunately we aren’t aware of anyone being injured at this location.

"If residents have seen any specific problems with road markings or signage, we’d encourage them to report these to us at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/highwayfaults.

"Even if we can’t fix them straight away, the information will help us plan our future work programmes.”