Fears of pupils being put at risk amid more traffic chaos - The Redditch Standard

Fears of pupils being put at risk amid more traffic chaos

Redditch Editorial 9th Jun, 2019   0

FEARS of pupils being put at risk amid more traffic chaos have been raised over plans to convert a former children’s home into a family contact centre in Downsell Road, Redditch.

The plans propose providing eight car parking spaces and three bike stands – but then acknowledges that up to 40 staff could be working there.

Downsell Road is the site of two popular primary schools and local residents say they already face two school runs a day and cars parked all over the road and pavements.

“We have horrendous parking problems as it is and here they want to rip out a cherry tree that’s been there for ever and make room for up to 40 social workers – it’s ridiculous,” said long time Downsell Road resident Becky Waldron-Smith.




“They say they are going to promote car sharing and riding bicycles to work, but these people are going to be coming from all over, so how is that going to work?

Overspill


“The teachers don’t car share and how many of them ride to work? Why should social workers be any different?

“As it is people park all over the zigzags outside the schools, on the pavements, on the road, it’s like an overspill car park already.”

Local County Councillor Robin Lunn (Lab, Redditch North) said: “Initially they were talking about providing only two parking spaces, but they listened and are now providing eight and a bike rack.

“Now they are talking of up to 40 people being based there and that area is entirely unsuitable for 40 cars – it’s completely crazy.

“I am hoping common sense will prevail but if it does not then I will be speaking against it.”

The site, at 45 Downsell Road is being put forward by Worcester-based asset managers Place Partnership.

A spokesperson at County Hall said: “The planning application has been submitted to the County Council Planning authority and will be considered through the normal planning process.”

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