Traders win battle to move planned crossing (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Traders win battle to move planned crossing

12:50pm Thursday 16th February 2006 in

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TRADERS who feared losing their businesses if a toucan crossing was installed next to their shops have learnt the plans will not go ahead.

As part of the Calne Cycle Network, it was proposed to put the crossing in line with the wall separating Carter Food Stores and the old disused garage on London Road.

Owners of the store and its neighbour, TK Tackle, said this would have had a devastating effect as parking spaces would have to be removed from in front of the shops, reducing passing trade.

Jackie Knowler, of TK Tackle, said she was delighted with the news.

However, she added, like many others, that a crossing near Bentley Lane, where a refuge in the road already exists, would be ideal.

"We are pleased," she said. "It has relieved a lot of pressure, but we would still like to see something further up the road, where it would be safely used."

A petition against the plans, which more than 1,000 people have signed, had been running since the plans were announced last year.

County council lead member for environment, transport and economic development Fleur de Rhe-Philipe made the decision to search for a better site after strong objections from local people.

"We are going to have a look at it again, because there was a lot of local opposition to it and it will only work if people on the ground are happy with it," she said.

"I'm hoping we can find a better way round it."

There had also been a great deal of concern among residents that the proposed site was far too close to the junction with Shelburne Road.

There were fears that drivers turning left onto London Road would be looking in the opposite direction to see if the road was clear.

They then would not have sufficient time to stop if someone was using the crossing.

Coun Nancy Bryant said it was clear people living in the town did not agree with the positioning of the crossing.

She added had the council pursued the plans, they would not have worked as they first hoped.

"After listening to the local people, looking at the plan and taking everything into consideration, I felt that it would not accomplish what it was set out to do," she said.

Coun Bryant added tightening the road to fit in the crossing would have created a number of problems as well.

"There's a natural narrowing of the road because there's parked cars and looking at it again they over-egged it," she said.

Coun Bryant added that a consensus needed to be reached to help create a safe environment for children at the nearby John Bentley and Holy Trinity schools to cross the busy road safely.

Shelburne Road resident James Anstee, who said he would have stood in the way of the diggers if they started work, was delighted at the decision.

"We have had one heck of a battle," he said.

"I just hope they've listened to the voice of the people and seen the light of day."

Mr Anstee, who has campaigned against the positioning since the start, thanked the town's Cycle Liaison Panel for also voting to move it further up the road.