READERS' VIEWS 26/3

24 June 2009

Don't make A45 more dangerous

I CONGRATULATE The Observer for its choice of article on last week's front page cover headed 'Dangerous Section of the A45 Gets Safety Signs', as this stretch of road must be the most hazardous in and around Rugby.
Also, how appropriate this was when the Baker Brothers' legal agents have recently applied for planning permission to build a slaughterhouse along this already dangerous stretch of road. If granted it will obviously bring an untold extra amount of heavy lorries to the area.
There would be added problems particularly in the winter, with the shorter days and the extra traffic using the road during the dark hours of the day, leading to not only trouble for drivers but also for children leaving their village homes to catch school buses and returning home in the dark and coming in contact with this stretch of road!
I was surprised to learn on attending Grandborough, Barby and Dunchurch parish council meetings that apparently local farmers were not desperate for another slaughterhouse in the area.
I appeal to the police, the Rugby MP and responsible councillors to support that improving road safety along the A45 between Dunchurch and Willoughby should be paramount, considering the high number of fatalities there over the last three years and that the proposed slaughterhouse should not be given precedence over this.
Janet Cummings, Tower Road, Rugby

Where will we park?

WELL, our town planning committee have really excelled themselves this time.
Not that long ago a developer wanted to build a small hotel attached to the Butler's Leap restaurant. Planning permission was refused until the developer agreed to enlarge the existing car park to accommodate the anticipated increased traffic that the hotel would generate.
Then our town planners really put their feet in it by giving up a possible £200,000 plus annual income by not insisting that the developer of the Cattle Market site provide a minimum 100 space car park on the Murray Road/Craven Road corner of the site. Where do the council think that the 100 or so cars that currently use this site every day will park when the development gets under way? Not in the giant Meccano set being built on railway land in Mill Road unless the railway reduce considerably the current extortionate daily car parking charges.
Now the bee's knees of all decisions - a 35-bed hotel with bar and restaurant, a four storey office building and a leisure complex with indoor swimming pool and the possible creation of 300 new jobs.
Wait a minute, what is missing? If only two thirds of those employees have cars and no visitor arrives by car then at least 200 car parking spaces will have to be found. How many have our town planning committee approved - none.
Well done to the three members who realised this omission but were out voted. The developer, Herby Holdings, must be laughing all the way to the bank knowing he has pushed through a centre of town development with no car parking space included on the plans in exchange for some remote idea of signage to tell us that all town centre car parks are full. The architects are certainly right when they say "this development will set a precedent for future town centre development".
I would also challenge council planning officer Greg Vigars to actually walk round his suggested 400 car parking spaces within walking distance of the development. What he will more than likely find is that 400 cars already occupy the 400 spaces.
Howard Finch, Brownsover

Pedestrian plan is flawed

I HAVE just read that Rugby Borough Council are planning to go ahead with the pedestrianisation of the town centre including North Street - Observer last week.
You print 'blocking all vehicles from using the area of Church Street and North Street close to the clock tower' this is apparently to allow shoppers to roam freely. Actually, it will ban me from shopping in town altogether.
I am a disabled lady, with a mobility car and blue badge. I normally park on the double yellow lines by the taxi rank on North Street (I used to use Church Street before the building began) so that I can 'roam freely' to the nearby shops. If I need to shop at the top of Sheep Street then I have to move my car to the disabled parking on Little Church Street.
Rugby council provide just nine disabled parking spaces in the town centre for the approximately 1,500 blue badge holders. If asked they will tell you to park in the John Barford as there are plenty of spaces there.
OK, that's true, but unfortunately that car park is so far out of town that should I walk to the shops from there then I would need an ambulance to get back to my car and I am really sure the paramedics won't appreciate that. I know I can park on Sheep Street before 11 and after 4, but in my case before 11 is impractical and after 4 the only thing I drive is my armchair!
I have lived all over the UK and never before have I come across a council that doesn't provide an adequate amount of sensible parking places ( don't mind paying for parking, its the extra space I need to get out of the car door) and doesn't want me to spend my money in its town.
So if this 'new vision' goes ahead and doesn't include me, then I will take my money to shop in Leamington Spa, at least there I know I am welcome with plenty of on and off street parking and, should I require it, Shopmobility. Rugby councillors should be made to experience what its like to be disabled in their town and all the man-made difficulties/obstacles that have to be negotiated and then pray that they remember them when they come up with their futuristic ideas.
Susan Chapman, Via email

Editor's note - Warwickshire County Council has drawn up the pedestrainisation plans and will make a final decision. On this occasion the borough council is simply being asked for its views in the same way as the public were during a well publicised consultation exercise which ran from February 2 to March 20.

Law change is required

CONTINUING the debate about the location of pedestrian crossings and keeping traffic moving through the town, how many motorists in Rugby would like to give a piece of their mind to the official who rubber stamped the positioning of the one at the bottom of Whitehall Road, slap bang next to the roundabout?
Even before the imposition of this crossing it was often a nightmare getting any sort of gap onto this five access roundabout. But now, even when the opening is there, one must be alert to the possibility that the roundabout is grid locked because someone has pressed the button on the crossing.
I first made my feelings known to the Town Hall when it was first constructed, but I could not be put onto the official who sanctioned it. I was told unofficially that my point about it being put half way up Whitehall Road ,which would lessen the congestion, had been considered but it was thought that if that far up the road, pedestrians would not use it.
And now of course we have a repeat scenario with the pedestrian crossing at the top of Newbold Road.
Surely the time has come when pedestrians ought to use a little more consideration before pressing the button. Maybe waiting to check if the road is already clear before automatically pressing it. That maybe would avoid the ridiculous situation of motorists sitting at a red light when there is no-one crossing because after pressing the button the pedestrian has decided to cross anyway.
I do wonder if in such circumstances now the law ought to be changed allowing motorists to proceed when it is obvious no-one is crossing or about to, accepting of course that the ultimate responsibility remains the motorists.
Malcolm Fawcett, Avon Street, Clifton upon Dunsmore

Join reunion

EACH year the Old Laurentian Society holds a reunion dinner at Lawrence Sheriff School for past pupils.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, April 4 and it is an excellent opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones. There are still some places available and any old boys who wish to attend should contact the dinner secretary Steve Weston on 07771 508085 for further details.
Jon Bass, President, Old Laurentian Society,

I’m proud of this council

I WOULD like to correct Coun James Shera, the Labour leader, on two points - Observer letters last week.
Firstly, Coun Cranham is not one of my minions and neither are the rest of my group. The Tory group on Rugby Borough Council play both a full and engaging part, in policy development and the budget which is probably the reason that I enjoy their total and committed support.
Secondly, I have no embarrassment about the budget we presented and indeed sleep comfortably knowing that the council is on the right track. However, you do not have to believe me Coun Shera, just take time to read the Audit Commission’s latest annual report, which heaps praise on Rugby
It states: ‘RBC continues to improve performance in most priority areas. Crime has reduced, and access to services and housing have improved. The rate of improvement is above average compared with other district councils and more performance indicators are now in the best quartile. The council has adequate plans and the capacity it needs to deliver improvements’.
There is one assertion made by Labour on which we can both agree. The people of Rugby certainly are not fools, which is why through the publication of independent factual evidence they continue to have confidence in the Conservative-led administration.
Coun Craig Humphrey, Leader of Rugby Borough Council and the Conservative Group

No jackets required?!
JUST a line to say how amusing the front page picture is due to the fact Warwickshire County Council road safety officers and two councillors are stood on the edge of the road with no safety hi-visibility vest - Observer last week.
As safety engineers I thought these should know better!
Ian Newman, Via email

Pedestrian plan is flawed

DEPENDING upon which option is chosen for the pedestrianisation, effects include: the relocation of bus stops, which will divert buses away from destinations, making bus travel less convenient, journey times are likely to increase, reducing frequency.
Buses will use Regent Street’s pavements on either side of the road, changing its character. Possible relocation of taxis to Albert/Regent/Church Street. Loss of loading facilities and up to 20 parking spaces. More traffic on Railway Terrace, Park Road and Evreux Way, possibly Regent Street, Regent Place and Albert Street.
If some traffic movement takes place, it will limit the freedom of pedestrians.
All of the above was copied from Warwickshire County Council’s own booklet, so it knows the problems. To sum all up: more congestion, (Lawrence Sheriff Street hasn’t even been listed), an inferior bus service, taxis further away, the character of roads spoilt, and fewer parking and loading spaces.
Shoppers cannot be forced onto buses by making the town less accessible to cars, especially if the bus service has deteriorated. They want to drive and will go elsewhere, so continuing the process started by parking charges and congested roundabouts.
Rugby First’s reason for the project is to capitalise on the traffic reduction due to the Western Relief Road. The new road will carry traffic from Bilton Road to Leicester Road, diverting traffic from Corporation Street. It will have no affect on Church and North Streets, which run between the town centre and mainly Hillmorton.
After the changes have been made it will be too late to look at the traffic and shake heads. If you are not impressed with the idea, shake them now.
Jan Edmonds, Rupert Brooke Road, Rugby

School play was amazing

LAST Thursday night I went to Avon Valley School’s show Back to the 80s and what a wonderful show it turned out to be.
The lead singers could have been professional and the backing singers and dancers, about 50 to 60 in all, were fabulous in their wonderful costumes. Well done Avon Valley School and teachers, you must have worked for months to get this show on the road, and like the end of the show stopper I had the time of my life and all to live music.
J A Judge, Hirst Close, Long Lawford

Police search for violent man released from prison»

Abbatoir set to be thrown out»

Battling to be top dog»

Open event aiming to find young work»

Put Fairtrade on your list»

No prison despite assault on girlfriend»

Spring Fair aims for record breaking year»

Family's tribute to crash victim Scott»

Death crash driver followed by police»

Fatal fire: Yob problem reports are dismissed»

Lights purchase angers Labour group»

Fatal fire: Heartbreak at couple's death»

Teenager still in custody after fatal fire»

15-year-old arrested in fire death probe»

Dammers heads home»

Another helping of Full Metal Racket »

Corrine brings The Sea to the Assembly»

Christmas card shop boosts charity coffers»

Idea could save community centre»

Warning issued over dangers of drinking»