Alas the Air Balloon is to be demolished. Both options for the A417 “missing link” call for it to be razed to the ground. Of perhaps greater interest to us is the vagueness of plans for cyclists to cross the new road, which is certain to be both faster and wider than the present one. To quote the consultation document: “we would seek to maintain existing rights of way and, where possible, explore opportunities for providing new ones for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and other non-motorised road users.” So non-motorised road users may get to keep the existing inadequate arrangements and, apparently, non road users aren’t even worthy of mention!
Fortunately the options, available to view at this link, are published for consultation so we as a Club and as individuals still have a chance to have our voice heard.The consultation events begin today and run to 8th March. The most convenient for most Club members is likely to be at GL1 Leisure Centre, Bruton Way, on 4th March. Alternatively, there are public information points where booklets and feedback forms are available. One is the library in Brunswick Road. If none of these suit, please drop an email to the Club President who will be responding.
Whichever way you choose to participate, note that the closing date for responses is 29th March.