Hungerford mayor challenges councillors to push harder for pedestrian crossing
A petition in favour of the crossing had garnered more than 120 signatures and the matter was referred for an individual executive member decision to West Berkshire Council’s portfolio holder for planning, transport and highways, Keith Chopping (Con, Sulhamstead).
But last month Mr Chopping ratified a planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the request, which had been supported by the town council.
The officer had stated: “The request and reasons for a crossing facility on Bridge Street is appreciated by officers and every effort has been made to find a suitable location.
“However, as a facility cannot be located near the war memorial and the pedestrian crossing criteria is not met for any location in Bridge Street, the introduction of a crossing facility cannot regrettably be recommended. It is recommended that no other measures are investigated given the concern previously expressed by the town council about the loss of any on street parking on Bridge Street.”
Mr Crane has now written to district councillors David Holty (Con) and Paul Hewer (Con) stating: “I am disappointed to learn that the Hunderford Town Council request for a pedestrian crossing has been declined by West Berkshire Council.....this was a matter of great concern to many residents of the town living north of the Kennet and Avon canal.”
He stressed the “strength of feeling” generated by the issue and added that there was a “suggestion that it is somehow the fault of the town council that such a decision had to be taken, rather than the technical reasons that could have been made clear at the outset.”
Mr Crane went on: “There remains a need for a safe crossing for pedestrians from the Eddington area especially for parents with pushchairs and others using mobility scooters and West Berkshire Council have not even suggested a more suitable location - perhaps in Charnham Street, where there already some islands.
“Can I request that you seek an urgent meeting with the said officials? I would be more than happy to accompany you with the chair of highways and transport to seek a solution to this safety project which should, of course, have been addressed as we suggested at the time of the planned installation of the footbridge over the canal. I look forward to learning of some positive news on this issue.”
Mr Holtby said this week: “Paul Hewer and I are very keen to establish a safe route from Eddington into town. Unfortunately, a zebra crossing in the area of the War Memorial would not meet the technical criteria.”
However, he added: “Our highway engineers are exploring other options in the area of the Methodist Chapel and in Charnham Street. In doing so they are taking into account the imperative to preserve as much on-street parking as possible. This is a tricky problem, but, hopefully, we will crack it."