Whilst some may well prove to be positive if the scheme proceeds, such as pedestrian-only access around/under the Westgate Towers and an enhanced street scene with wider pavements and less clutter, some may be negative. Chief amongst the potential negative impacts already identified by concerned residents include the potential for increased traffic on Station Road West and London Road (as well as other roads such as Orchard Street and Roper Road), the closure of traffic to all but buses and taxis around the side of the Towers towards St. Peter's Place and the replacement of some pedestrian crossings with 'courtesy' crossings.
The Council is proposing a 12 month trial, possibly commencing as soon as March. The traffic management changes that would be required would be introduced via a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) by Kent County Council.
In order to proceed the scheme will be discussed in a series of meetings as follows:
- Canterbury Area Members Panel - November 14th (Result: Approved)
- Joint Transportation Board - December 6th (Result: TBC)
- Overview Committee - December 8th (Result: TBC)
- Executive - December 15th (Result: TBC)
To help support residents in finding out more about the proposals the Association has set up a meeting with Richard Moore, the Council's transportation manager, on Fri December 2nd, 10-11:30 upstairs at the Dominican Priory (thanks to Poppy and Donald Beerling for providing the venue at no charge).
If you would like to attend please just turn up - there is no need to book or RSVP. Whilst the Association has helped set up the meeting it will not lead it. Instead the Westgate Councillors will jointly facilitate the meeting with residents from the Westgate and St. Stephens areas.
Any questions for the meeting can be submitted to matmomorris@hotmail.com and a summary of questions will be produced in advance of the meeting (time permitting). Full details of the scheme can be found on the Council's website.
In summary, the St. Dunstan's and Westgate Towers environmental improvements project has seven clear objectives:
- To protect and preserve the Westgate Towers
- To reduce the impact of traffic and improve air quality in the area
- To undertake public realm and environmental improvements
- To improve walking and cycling links between St Peter's Street and the Canterbury West Railway Station
- To improve access to the Westgate Gardens and Westgate Museum, and connectivity with the Riverside Walk
- To improve bus and taxi facilities
- To help regenerate the area and to maximise the economic opportunities presented by the high speed rail link to London
Writing to the Council to express your views, whether for or against, is one of the best ways to add your voice to the proposals at this stage.
Any comments or questions should be directed to:
Richard Moore - Transportation Manager
Canterbury City Council
Military Road
Canterbury
CT1 1YW
richard.moore@canterbury.gov.uk
4 comments:
Just a quick note to say we're a bit late to the party on this one but to thank you for your posting through the door to highlight us to the impending plan.
We are of course utterly opposed and just wanted to say if any Orchard St neighbours needs access to a printer or want a letter template printing for mailing then to give us a shout @ no. 35.
Lastly if a show of support will help at the council offices on any dates then shout and we'll be there to voice our concerns and attempt to sway the executive.
Just as a follow-up we've received a reply from the council regards closing Rheims Way and it very much sounds like they will ONLY do this if the situation appears to be bad after a trial period - and not from the start.
This seems very disappointing and wondered what action the group might be taking from here?
Hi Caroline - others have received similar responses. The good thing is that the letters on this subject have been acknowledged by the Council and they will look at this problem is there is evidence that it is real. This means we need to be sure that we monitor the situation before the scheme starts and this is something the Association will work on in the New Year. If you would like to get involved we would be grateful for your support.
I fear that even if the Rheims Way access is blocked altogether (and at the Council Executive meetings it was apparent that councillors other than the members for Westgate ward had no idea that it was already one way!) other rat runs will be found, such as St Dunstan's Terrace. The decision to go ahead with the trial was taken at a meeting of of a joint transport group and that means KCC. The only proviso was a road safety audit, but that is to be carried outby KCC.....
Mary B
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