A NEW community centre is to revamp its vehicle access after residents said it was too dangerous.
Wisbech St Mary Community Centre opened its doors earlier this year, but its only access route is a cul-de-sac with no footpath. It meant walkers had to dice with cars coming in and out of the centre.
Fenland District Council’s planning committee has now enforced one-way only traffic on the Beechings Close entrance and demanded that traffic flow plates, height barriers and signs be installed.
Speaking at the ruling, Councillor Jan French said: “I was appalled that the access was through a private cul-de-sac. What made it worse is that there are no pavements. I think this will be much safer for people who live down there.”
Councillor Kenneth Peachey said: “The existing arrangement is far more dangerous to life and limb,”
Fellow planning committee member Councillor Robert Scrimshaw raised the issue at last Wednesday’s meeting after concerns about child safety.
He said: “The best way to improve safety is to allow one-way access into the site.”
He added it would be the best way to “maintain good community relations” and said: “Everyone seems in favour because of the traffic along there.”
Planning officers recommended the changes be approved “in the interests of highway safety”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here