Whitchurch Town Council (Hampshire) decided to remove the new cycle racks in the Town Centre, following representations from some local businesses and residents. Today, November 11th, workmen took them away. The Council is now to decide on new locations.
Whilst as a Councillor I have to accept and respect the decision, it does not mean I have to agree with it.
In the very week that we are all being advised by the Government to walk or cycle as part of the second Covid lockdown, this cycle parking was removed. Various reasons were given ranging from not being used, to being an obstruction and even that they restricted use of the pavements for trade vehicles.
However, support for cycling in shopping areas is known to improve their vitality and economic viability. When lockdown is over, help for local traders will be essential to help them survive, with recovery likely to take several years for many. Those locations that think smarter are likely to be the ones that prosper most.
Sometimes poor decisions are made. In my opinion this one was short-sighted.
The racks before removal.
Some claimed they were never used.
These are entirely my own views – and not those of Whitchurch Town Council
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