Changes to road infrastructure in the Durham Moor/Framwellgate Moor area for buses are continuing to frustrate both me and local residents.
BUS GATE/SALUTATION:
So far I have managed to ensure that a crossing is included in the plans at St Cuthbert’s Av to cater for residents and the large number of New college students who need and will need to cross the main road.
There have also been some alterations to the bus gate which will change from one directional to two way if the proposals are passed. There is a central island and the road in each direction has been narrowed to 3.25m. However this does not address the concerns of residents and the parish Council as well as myself that there is nothing there to stop other vehicles using this as a cut through, increasing pedestrian risks. I have asked for a camera to be installed but there are issues over the maintenance/running costs of this.
The issue of there being no crossing from High Carr Road across Dryburn View/Finchale Rd has not been addressed either, despite much discussion with officers who tell me that there is no space to put in place a pedestrian island. I believe this could be accomodated and am still pushing for this to be dealt with as i see it as a serious safety issue, which has been ongoing for many years, and can only be made worse by having two directional traffic through the bus gate.
The proposed plan can be seen here: Please bear in mind this is a draft plan and subject to change: 1086410-pc-01-consultation-plan.pdf
CONSULTATION ON DRYBURN ROAD BUS LANE
The council proposals for a bus lane along Dryburn Road to reduce bus times on this busy stretch of road appear to be universally UNacceptable at the moment to the residents I have spoken to.
Clearly there will always be the possibility that despite most people in this area being against this, it could still go ahead due to what is perceived as a wider benefit to bus travellers.
With this in mind, I am raising the concerns of residents to the loss of grass verges, loss of trees on hospital land, change to the appearance of the area as well as concerns about noise. In addition, if this scheme is eventually agreed, I am insisting that the footpaths along this road are replaced, and consideration is given to re-landscaping the area so we don’t have small slivers of grass which will not be kept in decent condition.
IN LIGHT OF THE ONGOING CONCERNS I HAVE ARRANGED FOR HIGHWAYS OFFICERS TO BE ON HAND FROM 4PM TO 6PM AT FRAMWELLGATE MOOR COMMUNITY CENTRE DURING THE COUNTY DURHAM PLAN CONSULTATION ON TUE 30TH NOVEMBER. This will allow residents to discuss either of the schemes with officers should they wish.