Other highways stuff discussed yesterday included:
Watery Lane – this is almost beyond parody now. We had one business-owner? who explained how Watery Lane has been officially closed for flooding for the last 34 working days. Currently the water is 18 inches deep. Sometimes lorries will come through the water when it isn’t too deep, other time they have to drive a van out to collect the stuff from the lorry somewhere down the road. Apparently the collapsed culvert which is causing the immediate problem can’t be repaired by County Highways until the summer
Tescos at London Road Rayleigh – we agreed to spend ?7000 on bollards on the grass verge to prevent vehicles parking.
Spa Road , Hockley? – County Councillor Bonnie Hart said there was ‘utter chaos’ near Sainsbury’s, and we agree to spend ?20,000 on railings
The three entrance points to Barling – we agreed to spend ?30,000 on ‘village gateways’, to make it extra clear to drives they were entering a 30 mph zone through the village.
Old London Road , Rawreth. We decided NOT to sopend money on signage stating there might be pedestrians in the road. However Chris Black did get the officers to look once again at lowering the speed limit here.
Popes Walk , Rayleigh We refused a request to remove cobble stones because of anti-social behaviour.
Cycleways and Bus Shelters . We decided not to spend any money on new cycleways or replacement bus shelters.
The Watery Lane situation makes it even more important to press for improvement at Rawreth Lane / Hullbridge Road junction.
Old London Road – because the bridleway has been so muddy and slippy lately I have been walking the dog along Old London Road and quite often we see no more than one or two cars at most, and these seem to be locals who are looking out for pedestrians. However, a Sunday morning when football is on is a different matter – I take my life in my hands if I walk there then, the cars roar round to the football pitches at a speed far too high for the road even if there were footpaths for pedestrians. Could the football club officials be asked to say something to participants about watching out for pedestrians and driving at a sensible speed.
Do you really think a few concrete bollards will resolve the problems at Tesco, London Rd?
Car & lorry drivers drive in & out without any regard to the verges or pedestrians walking past!
I narrowly missed being run over by a car reversing out onto London Rd just before Christmas. It was scary, & really shook me up. I know of others who have experienced similar incidents. Lorries reversing on & off the site are positively dangerous, & show scant regard for any “grass” area! So how long will the bollards stay standing?
The good news is that The Grange Post Office & Shop is up & running again, the best of luck to Kevin, & his staff.
Local shops come into their own in emergencies, & they provided a wonderful service during the bad weather. Long may they continue to survive & thrive. Use it or lose it as they say! Janet Warner.
I don’t think anyone thought the bollards will solve all the problems. But they should help…