Shefford resident and MP push council to act after home car crash nightmare repeats itself

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

THURSDAY 21^st AUGUST 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, has called for urgent action to improve safety for a resident on Bedford Road, after it was crashed into by oncoming traffic not once but twice in the space of a few years.

Sharon Neall has seen her property struck twice in recent years, in March 2022 and again in February this year, and reports a further near miss only a fortnight ago, when a van came close to colliding with both her home and a group of schoolchildren walking nearby.

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) have so far refused calls for simple protective measures, such as the installation of bollards outside the property, to protect Ms Neall from future incidents.

Both Sharon and Strathern have written directly to the council to press the case for action. But after CBC refused to act, Ms Neall launched a petition which received nearly 500 signatures in its first few days.

Sharon and Alistair are urging CBC to look again at the issue, and are asking supportive members of the community to back their call by signing the petition too at Petition · Require Safety Barriers to Protect My Home from Collisions - Shefford, United Kingdom · Change.org.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“It goes without saying that no family should have to live with the fear that a car might crash into their home

“I have written to Central Bedfordshire Council to urge them to look again at this decision, and I’ll keep working alongside residents to push for common-sense safety measures.

“Even modest interventions like bollards could make a real difference in preventing accidents and protecting Sharon’s home.”

Sharon Neall said:

“The stress and inconvenience to myself have been enormous. My home, which was once safe and secure, has become a place of anxiety.

“Each incident not only impacted my life, but highlighted the urgent need for preventative measures.

“Given the proximity of a public footpath that's frequently used by children and families, it's not just about my family’s safety but preventing potential harm to others.”

Notes for Editors

Sharon is now seeking wider support across Shefford.

The petition and wider details from Ms Neall can be seen here: Petition · Require Safety Barriers to Protect My Home from Collisions - Shefford, United Kingdom · Change.org