Eastover Councillor Tony Heywood is the Chair of Bridgwater Town Council’s Transport Forum. Here are some of the issues they discussed at their recent meeting.
The Station application plan had gone in again ref the footpath, he had heard that the 20 MPH campaign for Polden st was now formally on the list, but no date. He had an offer for an online discussion with national 20MPH campaigners at 7pm on 20 Jan via Skype. There was new cycle parking at Lidls but TH would continue to press M&S for the same. TH added that Luke Turner at SCC would be updating their web info about cycle routes.
Transport issues & progress
Rail There would be a public meeting at the GWRSA Club, Wellington rd on Tues 12 Feb (7pm) to bring people up to date with plans for the development of BW station and would include speakers from GWR,SDC and SCC. BTC amongst others had campaigned for more stopping trains and now GWR and SCC were also behind this. GB said next major issue was getting Daves Diner inside the station building. TH would speak to Dan Okey (GWR)
Bus. The meeting expressed dissapointment that no one from the bus companies were present. LR was concerned at rising fares. GB suggested a day of free fares. PR felt that people were willing to pay but wanted a proper service including late busses, clean busses and heating.TH said privatisation had been the problem.
Road LR said there was increased parking on kerbs. TD said SCC should deal with this thru their parking services arm. TH asked about the colley lane relief rd. TD said it was ahead of schedule and bridges were in place. This would be a good news story for traffic congesiton. LR was concerned at the red lights at the Npetherton junction staying on too long when the spur road went nowhere.
Bike- TH said ‚on your bike‘ were on track to move into Trinity Hall soon which was welcome. TD said there was a lack of secure cycle parking in town. TH would raise the issue with Police at the next BTC meeting. Cycle facilities should be noted at the town centre walkabout on 18 Jan. P Shepherd had written asking for the meeting to consider the streetscapes that cyclist have to operate in rather than blaming the cyclists. It was agreed to bring this to the next meeting when sustrans speakers would be present.
Waterways. PR said the IWA were cutting back the canalpath overgrowth before the nesting season started. Also SCC were carrying out a survey of the Bascule bridge before end of March. She was also concerned about needles found alongside Morrisons and had taken this up with management.
Pedestrian- TH said that ‚living streets‘ would be talking with SCC about their ideas and not us. GB said we should instigate a pedestrian audit. BS suggested that this could be organised by ward councillors involving agencies and residents.
Any other business– LR urged re-looking at electronic transport displays. TH said he would check out the West one in Regent st/High st and report back on options.