West Hill News

The WHCA AGM was held on 29 May 2012, at which reports were received and the yearly accounts were adopted. All members of the committee stood down, Isla Robertson did not seek re-election and the rest of the committee was re-elected along with its newest member, Colette Wilson. Lianne Hall was thanked for her management of the Hall over the last few years, and although she remains on the Committee, she has handed back Hall hire and caretaking duties to members of the Committee. The Wild Life Garden group continues to make the garden surrounding the Hall flourish.

Jim Gowans was re-appointed as the WHCA representative on the Conservation Advisory Council and he attended the public workshop in June which started discussions on improving the Seven Dials junction for road users and pedestrians. There have been 41 accidents within 100 metres of the Seven Dials over the last 5 years. Jim, as well as Kate Kirkham from West Hill Street, are keen to make residents’ voices heard and will be vigilant in ensuring proper publicity for the rest of the consultation process.

The first part of the Station Gateway consultation process attracted only 1163 responses – and the second round on the actual layout proposals is currently being evaluated. It was not easy to evaluate the pros and cons of the proposed changes from the online process and with so many different interests competing for attention – taxis, buses, residents of the surrounding areas, pedestrians, car users and cyclists – we must hope that an imaginative design can be created to cater for all.