All five trees recently planted in Surrey Street as part of the multi million pound highways scheme in the vicinity of the main railway station have died or suffered severe damage as a result of vandalism or impact with motor vehicles which mount the pavement. A further three semi mature trees have been planted at the southern end of Surrey Street and we await their fate with some anxiety. As with the ill-fated Seven Dials Roundabout scheme which was over budget by 50% and which even then has required repairs less than a year after completion, there are inevitably questions raised about the competence of those designing the station gateway scheme. Continue reading West Hill Watch→
Jim Gowans, WHCA’s rep on the Conservation Advisory Group, assesses local developments…
Pavement Clutter
More telecommunication boxes measuring 1.6 meters high and 1.2 meters wide are being plonked on pavements in our area, notably in West Hill Road at the side of 23 Buckingham Road. There are already four old-type boxes within a few yards of that which is proposed, together with a parking meter and various parking signs. In the last few weeks the City Council has installed galvanised bars into pavements alongside motorcycle parking bays. Owners of expensive motorbikes can now chain them up. So much for the Council’s policy of encouraging walking and cycling! Meanwhile the elm tree on the pavement near the Seven Dials Roundabout is to be cut down as part of the improvement scheme. We can’t have a tree cluttering the pavement can we?
The Whistler 