Let down by Cycling Strategy

Apologies if it sounds rather cross, but I am.

I do not deny I have a particular interest in cycling, so no apologies about this item.
Basingstoke Borough Council and the cycling body Sustrans have let us down.

The 'Consultations' by the Borough and Sustrans to produce a 'Draft Brorough Cycling Strategy' were carried out mainly behind closed doors, cost many thousands of pounds (£23,000 has been quoted) and has ended up with a document that almost wholly ignores anywhere outside the town of Basingstoke.
Of the 43 Projects suggested, all are Basingstoke town based and other than a few lip-service comments, the rural areas, villages and towns and inter-village/community connections have all been treated as if they don't exist.

Here is my response:
_________________

BASINGSTOKE & DEANE BOROUGH CYCLING STRATEGY

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Cycling Strategy is anything but.
It focuses almost solely on the town of Basingstoke, despite Sustrans being paid to produce a report for the 'Borough'. Perhaps a refund is in order as we have been short-changed.
Meaningful consultation has been minimal. When I attended a Drop in session in the Carnival Hall I expected to have views and comments listened to and was promised they would be included. I did not hear of any other sessions in other parts of the Borough.

In addition everything on display was about the town. There was not even a Borough map available. Despite raising Borough wide issues and matters relating to my own area of Whitchurch these have not been incorporated.
After the initial draft was seen, this was raised and there were some minor cosmetic references to areas outside the town added overnight, including a reference to use of Neighbourhood Plans – are these volunteer-run avenues really suitable for a Cycling Strategy?

Many of the principles within the Strategy place cycling as being subservient to other road users. This is a wholly wrong approach both on safety and on promotion grounds. I suggest that the Council look at facilitating and creating environments such as in the Netherlands and Denmark where the provision of safe separated cycle routes have seen cycle rates increase, safety for the most vulnerable improved and a better living environment for all.

Importantly for a Borough that prides itself on supporting 'business' the economic benefit of investing in cycling shows enormous returns in increased trade as well as for the health and well-being of its residents, yet this Draft Strategy promotes more of the same - shared-use paths and paint on roads above safe separated facilities.
This Strategy reads as if it has been produced by those following policies and the dated thinking of twenty years ago which have already failed.  We deserve much better.

To enable this, the Council will need to invest by allocating a budget to provide these improvements. It needs to set a specific % of all transport spending on cycling provision, say 10% and have a target of at least 20 – 25% of all journeys by cycle.
A response to a question on how much had been invested in Whitchurch over a ten year period gave an answer of "There are no individual records for cycling projects in Whitchurch since 2005."
It is time that figures were set to re-address that failure.

Finally, I am also concerned that the Strategy does not include proposals to consult on future cycling matters with communities outside of Basingstoke. Instead it calls for liaison with campaign groups of membership organisations such as British Cycling together with its ladies Basingstoke-based sub-group 'Breeze', and the CTC focussed Cycle Basingstoke. With respect to these excellent groups – and I am a CTC member of over 40 years standing – they can only represent their paid up members and follow policies of their own national campaigning bodies.

This is a major oversight – where are the principles of local democracy that engage with everyone?
Please involve all local people and local communities outside of these groups.
Basingstoke and Deane with this Cycling Strategy needs to be far more inclusive in its consultaion.


This is a Big Let Down.


John Buckley

http://www.whitchurchbug.org.uk/
http://www.hampshirecycletraining.org.uk/
http://www.whitchurchcycling.org.uk/

Note: as a Town Councillor I have also been involved in the response from Whitchurch Town Council which has been submitted separately and which I fully support.
However the views expressed here are my own.

_______________________

Pavements – a horrific 20 minutes

It was a horrific 20 minutes of putting lives at risk.

Why would any parent or carer, or indeed any human being deliberately through their own choice put children and families at risk of injury or worse? 
Yet that is what is happening daily in our own town.

A concerned parent had posted on social media a picture of a driver using the footpath in Alliston Way – the main route through to the Primary School. It was abysmal driving, not only showing complete disregard for the rules of the road but also for the safety of those walking to school.

It was reported to the police, to the school and to the Councils.

That was nearly a month ago and questions were being raised on what actions had been taken as nothing had changed.

On a visit to the local police 'Surgery' an assurance was given that "patrols in the area have been stepped up."
They don't seem to have had any effect.

The very next school day after that assurance was given I visited the area along with Hampshire County Council's Travel Plan Adviser. The pavement driving seen was horrendous – a regular stream of vehicles mounting the pavement even when children were walking along it.

There is complete disregard for safety – there was parking on corners, dangerous manoeuvres of turning in the road, and driving whilst on a mobile phone.
The pictures here are just a few example of what was seen in that 20 minutes.
Clearly the 'stepping up of patrols' has not had any effect and some prosecutions are urgently required.


The following has since been received from the HCC Travel Plan officer:
"I had a good meeting with the primary school and they are keen to get going with some initiatives to make parents more aware of the problems with poor driver behaviour and parking."

Hopefully those initiatives include the police taking action beyond just "patrols". Action is needed – now.

It is an offence to drive on pavements, yet here in Whitchurch it is endemic, and it is the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. Whitchurch Primary School is to expand, more housing is planned for the town and traffic will increase, but unless serious action is taken our safety will be further compromised. It is clichéd but it really is "Think of the children".

The community needs to work together on this, but that can only go so far.  Above all those drivers who are flouting the law, putting lives at risk and showing disregard for others' safety should be taken to task for their actions, whether by fines or for persistent offenders, removal of their licences.

_____________________

Latest on Transport matters

My inbox goes through phases regarding Public Transport issues in Whichurch, for which I wear the Town Council's hat. It is often good to take a deep breath, take stock and write down all that has been going on.
It certainly helps me to refocus on what are the real priorities.
 
I was asked to provide a 'Transport Report' to the last meeting of the full Whitchurch Town Council, and it became one of those very useful exercises. I reproduce it below.
However, I had to start with:
 

"Please excuse the length but a lot has been happening."

Here it is:

 _____________________________________________________________________

To: Whitchurch Town Council, 2nd November 2015

REPORT ON TRANSPORT MATTERS

1. SERVICE CUTS TO 86

The cuts to the 86 are very concerning with no buses from south of the town now serving the railway station. This will encourage more driving and increase pressure on our roads. With much housing planned for the south, this link will become much more important. I have mentioned this informally to Stagecoach and they suggested "perhaps a use of 106 funding might be appropriate?".

2. SERVICE CHANGES TO 76 / 86

Much time has been taken up in dealing with correspondence mainly from the WASPs group (Whitchurch Against Stagecoach's Proposals) over the bus changes.

Overall opinion I have received is mixed. While WASPS are opposed to the changes, other residents have welcomed them.

Meeting with Stagecoach and officers

A meeting was attended with HCC, BDBC officers, Stagecoach, and two local resident representatives to improve dialogue.

Stagecoach say that bus patronage has increased by 6% since the changes and that reliability has improved.

I presented the results of the last Town Council Meeting, plus a series of photographs taken in both the Town Centre and Lynch Hill Park. I have been told (by WASPS) they are "misleading". Copies available (just ask me).

Meanwhile:

The WASPs stated on 18th September that they were collating photographic evidence relating to: 

"near accidents, traffic congestion at junctions and multi Highway Code transgressions. The number of occurrences of the above events is very frightening and causing great alarm" and that they would "compile a brief summary to pass to Stagecoach, HCC, BDBC and Whitchurch TC" 
and "
We will be discussing events with the Police imminently and asking them to make their recommendations with a view to further action."

I have suggested they provide this summary if they believe there has been an imbalance. 

That is awaited.

Safety Assessment and costs

Following concerns of of a local [LHP] resident HCC carried out a 'Safety Assessment' on LHP at a cost of £500–£600. It does not show up any major problems [in my opinion]. It has been requested that further work is needed as it was claimed it did not address the concerns adequately, especially at the junctions.

[ I personally do not agree any further public money should be spent].

Consultation Event

Stagecoach are holding a consultation event in the Town Hall on 2^nd December.

Consistency with Planning decisions

I have been asked by a [LHP] resident to point out that the Town Council needs to be consistent in decisions to maintain its credibility.

The recent St Cross planning application was opposed citing the exit of HGV vehicles onto Evingar Road – due to the road situation and "risk to life to motorists and pedestrians alike". 

He has asked me to "identify to the Town Council that these conditions could apply to Dance lane [sic],  Lynch Hill Park  The Town Square, Belle Street [sic] and Basingstoke Road with the new Stagecoach bus route".

Through this report I am now passing that observation on.

3. BUS STOP NAMES

There has been discussion with HCC over bus stop naming. I have forwarded suggestions as several were confusing.

For example the stop in Lower Evingar Road is named Bell Street, and they now call the stop by the Fire Station, Clacys – but Bell Street isn't in Evingar Road and Clacys hasn’t been in Church Street for years – and is now in London Street. 

The Prince Regent stop on London Road is called Lynch Hill Park, while one in Lynch Hill Park is London Road.

This shows just how important it is for HCC to improve consulting with local people. Cllr Keith Watts is making similar comments. 

I am told by HCC there is no money in the current for any bus stop re-naming. An idea that perhaps a third-party could be found to provide the service of providing bus stop flags has been made.

4. NEW TICKETS

There is a new bus ticket promotion - £2 for unlimited travel after 7.00pm within Hampshire – excellent for a trip into Basingstoke.
 

5. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

The Borough's Local Infrastructure Fund Transport Project is progressing. I have attended all 4 meetings to date as the Town Council Representative and assisted with the brief and tender for the first assessment stage. This has been given to Odyssey Markides who have commenced their work.

This will include looking at a wide range of issues, from congestion to parking in the town with an aim of providing some suggested improvements.

6. TRAVEL PLANS

I have been in liaison with the Hampshire Travel Plan team who wish to develop more walking, cycling and 'Park and Stride' activities, related to mitigating the planned growth in pupil numbers at the Primary School

An exciting development is that a local parent is wishing to instigate Whitchurch being a pilot for a 'cycling crocodile', in conjunction with an innovative transport/travel organisation based in Bristol. This is ongoing. 

7. BOROUGH CYCLING STRATEGY

The draft Basingstoke Cycling Strategy appeared last Thursday.

Despite it being a Borough Strategy there is little outside the town of Basingstoke with only fleeting references to links with surrounding areas.

After this had been pointed out a revised version was issued on Friday. This been amended slightly to refer briefly to Whitchurch with an addition that Neighbourhood Plans could be used outside of Basingstoke. That seems to conflict with the original Borough-wide approach.

I propose that Whitchurch Town Council make a detailed response – the deadline is 11th December.

To this end I propose a single working meeting, a call in for public comment and a report to full Council for approval in early December. [NB: this proposal this was approved]

8. SPEEDWATCH

A report on a meeting I attended (Basingstoke District Association of Parish and Town Councils) was given to last week’s Development Committee.

There is a resident who wishes to see Speedwatch progress and has said he wishes to address the Town Council. I have suggested he contact the Clerk to arrange this.

9. TRAINS

Trains – no news, although it is noted that sometimes trains miss out Whitchurch if running late. This does not go down well with commuters who are left on the platform and see their train whoosh past.

____________________________

And thus ended my report.
It can be interesting being on the Council.

And since I wrote the above my inbox is has started to fill again.

There is a vacancy

ELECTION OR CO-OPTION?

One of our town's Councillors has resigned.

Councillor Mike Kean, who was last year's Mayor, has sadly resigned his position. Mike was one of those local residents who had earned respect by being fully committed to the town and he will be missed. Always approachable, always willing to listen, Mike put a great deal into the role and Whitchurch owes him a lot.

But what happens now? Who will take the empty seat?

Will there be an election?
There could now be an election, but only if the residents call for one. If not the existing town Councillors will co-opt someone.
I am not a keen supporter of co-option, but that will happen if an election is not requested – I believe it is far better to have an election where all residents in the town can have a chance to select who represents them.
All it needs is for TEN electors to request one.

An advantage of co-option is a much reduced cost – they are costly, although elections are paid for by the Borough. A disadvantage is that local residents have much less say as the choice is made by the present Councillors.

This is an opportunity for someone who cares about our town, its people, and its future to join the table, and to take an active part in helping make Whitchurch a better place for us all.

But back to the election.
The first stage has started on Friday 25th September with the issue of the Casual Vacancy Notice. This calls for those TEN local residents to request an election.
Whilst the notice calls for the requests to be made 'in writing' this can also be done through email.
Just send a quick email or note to say you would like at election with your name and address to:

EMAIL:
electoral.services@basingstoke.gov.uk
or
LETTER:
The Returning Officer
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 4AH

If ten people request an election then an official Notice will go out requesting nominations.

Drowned by noise? The 86 bus users?

The last month has been mostly about Buses – and the decision by Stagecoach to cut services, re-route others, and change timetables.
The information about the changes has been well-documented on the town's community website and social media, and there are new timetables and maps available, as well as good online resources.

A robust debate
Wearing the Town Council's 'Transport hat', my inbox is starting to overflow, even though the Town Council's role in public transport provision is extremely limited.

Tensions have been brewing and these can be of no good for the town. Groups are forming, flyers being printed, notices pinned, and petitions created. These focus mainly around the suitability of various routes for the buses.

In reading some of the comments being posted online, the temperature is sky high. Should buses use the tree-lined area of Lynch Hill Park or should they still use Newbury and London Streets with their narrow pavements? Some remarks have validity, others are very opinionated.
On that argument a robust debate continues and I for one have no issues with that. Expression of opinion is always to be welcomed so long as it remains polite.

But is it over-shadowing a bigger issue

The fact that some people can no longer reach their workplaces or that half the town is now cut off from the railway station is being shuffled to the sidelines, yet perhaps it is they who are being affected most.

Right: The 86 - services massively cut.

The 86 service to Winchester with its hospital, colleges, County Hall, and shopping facilities has been savagely cut by Stagecoach. In addition the now much reduced service on London Street/Road is causing some people concern.

In the noise about which roads buses should use, the needs of those who rely on No.86 are getting drowned out – that is not right.

Cut to bare bones
What was a regular hourly service from morning to early evening has been cut to the chase. A two-hourly timetable has been implemented north of Sutton Scotney to Whitchurch and Overton. In addition re-routing of the 86 in Whitchurch has now left the whole of the southern part of the town with no link to the railway station. So much for integrated transport. Don't the buses and trains work together? Are they not even part of the same company?
When it comes to joining up transport services there is no joined up thinking.

Communication has been worse than poor, although this has now been recognised and apologies issued.  There was nothing in advance from Stagecoach, and zilch from the County Council. To be fair that's not entirely true. HCC did deliver some timetables after everything had been decided. And this is where I scream... Those timetables.
Booklets for buses in the Andover area and another for the Winchester area, both of which include the Whitchurch services have been published – And they don't fully match up.  Is it Stagecoach or is it really Hampshire who we should be shouting at?

And don't get me started on HCC's map in the timetable – which seems to indicate the 86 does serve the station – but it doesn't. The nearest 86 stop to the railway station is now opposite Tescos – 3/4 mile away. I'm really shaking my head here.

Take a deep breath. I'll try to be positive.

Are all options being considered?
If Stagecoach claim the service was uneconomic then other options need exploring. With many calling for a link to Newbury, could the Winchester – Whitchurch – Newbury service be re-instated? That could kill two birds with one stone and also resolve the station problem as the bus would pass it.

Or maybe the transport authorities could look at funding an on-demand taxi-share service over the Sutton Scotney to Whitchurch/Overton section?  Again Hampshire County Council has the means to introduce this and also facilitate the services required in London Street/Road and Kings Walk where some have lost their service.

Maybe the brand new 85 route which runs Winchester – Sutton Scotney – Bullington – Andover, could be routed to include Whitchurch?
Or perhaps the services should be offered to alternative operators but would they be any better?

Meanwhile the users suffer.

With all these cuts and confusing information, one big fear is that even the two-hourly daytime service to and from Winchester may disappear. Is that the aim? Is there a longer term plan to make it so difficult to use that it becomes unusable?

Under all these recent changes the biggest losers are the No.86 users.

Amongst all the noise, don't let us forget them.

Those bus changes - Mixed news

The fallout from the proposed changes to the buses in Whitchurch continues to rumble on after it was discovered that Stagecoach were both re-routing and cutting services on the 86 to Winchester and changing the course of the 76 service through the town to miss out London Street.

Representations have been made
With the prospect of some residents being unable to reach their workplaces in Winchester strong representations were made to both Stagecoach and Hampshire County Council over the 86 cuts. 
The HCC Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Cllr Sean Woodward, has given a clear insight into the County's thinking:

"In terms of priority for funding we do not prioritise work journeys over trips for food shopping or collecting prescriptions ... Where we do provide support for access to key services not available locally it is by a link to one local centre.  In the case of Whitchurch, the 76 provides links to Andover and Basingstoke and the 86 to Winchester during the business day so we would not look to fund additional journeys."

So that is no support from HCC for the 86.
Maybe there are other solutions – different companies, taxi-shares? They should be considered but there is no evidence they have been.

Stagecoach react to concerns
However total gloom has been abated as there was also some good news as Stagecoach have themselves reacted by reintroducing services early morning and early evening, although the last bus at 1935 will still not run. They will be monitoring usage so it may end up being a 'Use it or Lose it' situation.

London Street problems
Meanwhile re-routing within Whitchurch has caused particular concern in London Street which will now be missed out by the 76.

Left: Bus/lorry conflict 

 Stagecoach have cited heavy congestion of parked cars and traffic as well as the dangerous turn at the White Hart where buses regularly mount the pavements and have also damaged property.

Pavement users are often at serious risk here when buses meet other vehicles.

Right: 
Buses are regularly forced onto pavement in London Street

Some stops are lost
Bus users in London Street will now need to reach the Gables on London Road, the Square/Bell Street stops, or catch one of the now very few two-hourly daytime 86 services.
In addition, with the 86 no longer going to the Railway Station, those who live in the south of the town will no longer have a link to train services - yet another cut. It can be a long walk up the hill for the less able.

An alternative suggested
The intention to use Lynch Hill Park to avoid London Street for the 76 has caused one resident to start a petition claiming that LHP is unsuitable for buses and they suggest an alternative of using the town 'circuit' in reverse. It has been said that that too has some difficult turns and parking problems but it is an idea worthy of consideration. It has now been stated that this re-routing will be on a six-month trial basis.

Not all gloom
It is not all gloom though, as the 76 will now be running to Andover every half-hour instead of hourly and that holders of the Older Person Bus Pass should be able to use it on the last 76 back from Basingstoke, something that has been lobbied for for a long time.

Communication and Consultation has been lacking
However,  what has been missing throughout is any meaningful communication and consultation by those who provide and manage the services. This is despite Stagecoach claiming that communication on local bus services had improved in a recent presentation to Basingstoke & Deane. Nothing had been passed to the Town Council, which I find unacceptable. For residents to find out of changes that can affect their livelihoods on the off-chance of a chat with a bus driver is deplorable.

Meetings arranged
With this in mind a meeting with members of Stagecoach has been arranged later this month. It has been facilitated by our Borough Councillor, Keith Watts, who has been doing stirling work behind the scenes to obtain improvements for Whitchurch residents.
I have been invited as the Town Council Transport representative and will be pushing for much better liaison so local people's views and needs are taken into account by those at both County and Borough level, as well as by Stagecoach.

What views do local people have?
To aid this I have arranged to be at the Town Hall on Saturday 15th August 9.30 - 11.00pm, when anyone can come along, have an informal chat and give their views, which can then be presented when formal discussions take place.

Involving local people
We need to let those who make the decisions and control the purse strings know that the people of Whitchurch want involvement in issues that affect them directly, and one of those is public transport.
That is why I wear a Town Councillor hat.

Consultation on Bus Cuts – where was it?

Bus services in and around Whitchurch are being cut, re-routed and changed.

Stagecoach are to introduce new bus timetables that affect Whitchurch – and they are doing so with just a few weeks notice, no consultation and minimal communication. They come into effect on the 30th August.

They have announced reductions in service, changes to times and alterations to routes - all of which will affect local people in Whitchurch, some to the extent that they may even lose their jobs. The hardest hit will be those who rely on the service 86 to and from Winchester which is being drastically cut. As well as being reduced to a two-hourly service, those at the start and end of the day are being completely cut out.

So what went wrong?
Some might say that as a commercial operator they can do as they wish, but they do have to register their routes and timetables with the transport authority, and that is Hampshire County Council. So did HCC then inform or consult with local people before agreeing the changes?
By now you may have guessed that the answer seems to be very much a 'No'.

Don't the users matter?
Local residents, Town Councillors and even the Borough Councillor were all kept in the dark. No one seems to have told the actual bus users anything; was sharing of information restricted solely to the passing of papers across some desks between Stagecoach and the County officers?

Was support considered?
The cuts to the service to Winchester will be putting jobs at risk while re-timings and re-routing means  journeys being disrupted or no longer possible.
Did the County, who are responsible for supporting services that are socially necessary, consider people's livelihoods? Did they assess whether this service should receive financial support?
Did they?

No hint of bus cuts
Certainly when the County Councillor for Whitchurch made his report to the Town Council in early July there was no hint of the drastic changes to come - zero - zilch - nowt. Was he unaware too? Or were the decisions so much a fait accompli that any consultation was deemed a waste of time? The question must be asked - "Why were we not told?" and also followed with "How can local people be involved in consultations over the services they use?" 

It seems the system may be broken. There needs to be communication with users and their elected representatives. We have been let down badly. How can this be redeemed?
This failure must not happen again and a robust process needs to be put in place that enables local input into such important decisions.

But meanwhile how are those who rely on the buses to Winchester to make their journeys?
Can our County Council give an answer?

It brought people together

After years in planning, Whitchurch finally has its Memorial to WWI, as a result of collaboration between the Town Council, the Silk Mill and many other groups and individuals.

'Sowings for new Spring'

Whether you like the end result or not, you cannot fail to have some feelings about it. The result of a 'competition' the 'winning' design is one that will have everyone talking, debating and remembering and to me, that is what really made this project.

A memorial for the town
Led by an inspired team, organised by Claire Isbester and assisted by a great many others, a brief was created in order to create a "serious and monumental memorial of the 1914–18 war" – the war to end all wars.
Whitchurch now has that Memorial and it was unveiled at the Town Hall by Lady Portal, Sheriff of Hampshire on Saturday 4th July 2015.
Designed by Rhiannon Williams, this impressive 2.4 x 2.0 metre piece of textile art is now on public display in the office of the Town Hall.
It could have been a statue, a plaque, a sculpture but this is arguably far more interesting.

Click the picture to enlarge it  > > >

A mass of memories
But it was all the stories, recollections, conversations and memories that are really the core of this interpretation. When people met in the Silk Mill early in 2014, it became such a poignant day. I meant to stay an hour but remained all day. One proud local resident's words stuck in my mind "These are the medals of my grandfather". This was being shared so that the ribbon colours could provide inspiration and become part of our town's history. Stories were told that recalled many of the human emotions of the time, even though it was a period over which many kept quiet about the reality of their dreadful experiences.

Talking and sharing
My own grandfather lied about his age so he could go to war – but I know little more about his experiences – he never spoke of them, but I know he was proud to have served his country – opening up and sharing emotions is sometimes hard. This project has not just recorded historic facts – it has also allowed some to talk of their memories and maybe remove some of those demons of silence. Talking and sharing also heals.

More than just textile art
Yes there were many speeches at the official unveiling, but we must not just see this as a piece of textile art, but something that has brought people together and allowed many to express their deep and heartfelt emotions and feelings over memories, often of lost relatives at such a horrific part of our country's history.

The importance
Call into the Town Hall office during normal opening hours and look, admire, and contemplate – what is the most important aspect of the design; of the project?
Is it the dog's eyes, the patchwork, the soldiers hat, the use of silk from the mill, the forget-me-nots? Or is it a recognition of the strength and importance of local people talking, sharing, opening up and supporting each other; something that can never be placed inside a display case?
Everyone will have different views, but to me it is that human interaction.

1914

War broke: and now the Winter of the world
With perishing great darkness closes in.
The foul tornado, centred at Berlin,
Is over all the width of Europe whirled,
Rending the sails of progress. Rent or furled
Are all Art’s ensigns. Verse wails. Now begin
Famines of thought and feeling. Love’s wine’s thin.
The grain of human Autumn rots, down-hurled.
For after Spring had bloomed in early Greece,
And Summer blazed her glory out with Rome,
An Autumn softly fell, a harvest home,
A slow grand age, and rich with all increase.
But now, for us, wild Winter, and the need
Of sowings for new Spring, and blood for seed.

Wilfred Owen (1893 – 1918)

To our MP – an invitation to ride

Following yet another horrendous death of a lady cycling in London being run over and crushed by a tipper truck, I have written to our MP regarding the dangers being posed by heavy vehicles on our roads.

Whitchurch already suffers far too many HGVs and with a mass of house building on the near horizon there will be a large increase in construction traffic in the town.
This will increase dangers to all who use the roads, but in particular the most vulnerable.

His reply is awaited.

UPDATE: A reminder has been sent - 2nd July – and Kit Malthouse has responded with some dates when he may be able to visit Whitchurch.
______________________________________________


To: Kit Malthouse MP, Houses of Parliament


As a Deputy Mayor in London I am sure you are aware of the increasing concerns being expressed over road safety for the most vulnerable. With yet another death under a construction vehicle, action on providing safe separated facilities for cycling in London and elsewhere, is long overdue. The very least that should be done is to restrict the movement of these vehicles at peak times. That could be introduced now.

Here in relatively calm Whitchurch we are about to see a massive increase in house building as the town is to take 350 houses as a result of government requirements. In addition the local Primary School is set to increase from 373 to 525 pupils in an area which already suffers massive traffic problems with a single access point.
Construction traffic will soon be added to what is already an almost gridlocked town, particularly at school-run times. Every day pedestrians are having to dodge vehicles as they regularly mount or are driven along pavements while many people won't cycle because of the existing dangers.

With the addition of the construction traffic the day will surely come when someone in Whitchurch is seriously injured or killed, yet action could be taken now to reduce that risk. As our MP you could help lead on this to make Whitchurch a safe place to walk and cycle. Please don't let us follow what is happening in London where a lack of action is causing deaths.

Perhaps you might support a restriction on the movement of HGVs in Whitchurch at peak times, and certainly of construction traffic when the building commences? That would be a very positive step.

Do you cycle? I have been informed you have said you do. A few years ago Sir George Young, as our excellent local MP, cycled around the town with Town and Borough Councillors and concerned residents, and looked at the traffic situations that those riding bikes have to deal with.

Would you be willing to take part in a similar exercise? Would you be able to join with a few local people and ride around the areas that are in most need of action and to support schemes to make travel in our town safer?

Perhaps a mutually convenient date could be set?

John Buckley

Left:
Previous ride of our then MP Sir George Young with Town and Borough Councillors and local residents.

(click pic to enlarge).

Uncontested Election

OUR town is YOUR Town

A year ago, with a feeling of both bewilderment at winning and honor for the selection, I took my seat for the first time on Whitchurch Town Council.
I had not expected to be elected, let alone top the poll.
However with an election of the whole Council due this May, the seat at the table was only for one year, not the customary four.

I had stood primarily because I believe strongly in local democracy and that local people need a voice, and also that local representatives should have that important 'X' placed next to their name.

Yet this year, when all 12 seats were up for election,  there have only been 10 nominations. This means all 10 have been elected through an 'Uncontested Election' and there are two vacancies.

However technically correct it may be that such candidates are still 'elected', there is something that 'irks' in the process. 'Uncontested Elections' and co-opted positions lack that immediate confirmation of acceptance from the electorate.

Notwithstanding this, every one of those who have stood have done it with good intentions – because they all believe in 'Whitchurch' and have skills and knowledge to offer. All deserve the utmost support and respect of the community as they offer their best for us all. In fact I believe there is a very good Council that works extremely well together. That regrettable period of 'resignations a couple of years back is now history.
Commitment is not in question.

So why so few candidates?

Sadly the same has happened in so many other areas. Out of 36 Parishes in the Basingstoke and Deane area that were due to hold elections this Spring, only four had residents placing that all important 'X'.
Whitchurch's ten nominations for the twelve seats was not even one of the lowest. Our neighbours in Overton fared even worse, attracting only eight nominations for their twelve seats.

This all saddens me. The fact that so few of our local residents came forward to help run the Town is disappointing. In fact it is Very Disappointing and something that I believe the Town Council needs to address.

Some may say it is apathy, others claim it is a disillusionment with local representation, which can be understandable when you look at the behaviour of some politicians. Others say "but nothing will change; what's the point?"

Making change
Well the point is that for change to take place you do need to get involved and participate in improving the Town's well-being.
Whitchurch is OUR TOWN. Its where many of US work and shop, where OUR children play and learn, where we enjoy OUR leisure, and above all where WE live.

It is a place to be proud of.

The Town Council is now trying to fill those vacant seats by co-option and has called for interested residents to offer their services.

Could you offer anything?

UPDATE
Four local residents stood for co-option Two candidates were selected and the Town Council now has its full compliment.
TWO NEW COUNCILLORS CO-OPTED

School Expansion - WHOLE Town is affected

SCHOOL EXPANSION - and Travel Strategies

Hampshire County Council has issued a consultation on expansion of the Whitchurch Primary School. This is much needed as the area's population increases and there is more pressure on school places – our children need to be educated.

It is time for joined-up thinking on an issue that reaches far wider than just the school gates.

Major conflicts
It is not just the roads adjacent to the school that have problems.
Access to the school is already at near capacity with Alliston Way, Micheldever Road and Winchester Road bearing the brunt. Meanwhile the whole town suffers major traffic congestion at 'school run' time.

When combined with the school buses, Tesco deliveries, and dustcart collections the whole town can be pretty much close to gridlock. Frustrations and conflicts set in as people are made late for work and dangers increase as drivers even take to pavements.

Heaven help us if there was an emergency at this time. This effects us all, whether we walk, cycle or drive, and whether we are from outside or from within the town.

This is a Whole-Town issue, it's not just about the school. 

Space
The fact is we are reaching a situation where we just don't have the space to continue current expectations of free and easy travel.
Hampshire want to increase the school pupil numbers by around 40% to cater for increasing numbers of children in the area. This comes on the heels of Basingstoke Borough requiring the town to take at least 350 new houses, and the County's decision not to expand Overton Primary school

An alternative?
Many are already complaining about impending gridlock; that only Whitchurch children should go to Whitchurch schools, and that playing fields will need to be tarmaced over for car parks.
However, there is an alternative – we have an opportunity – one for change, and one where perhaps we should be looking at our whole attitude towards local travel.
But it needs Joined-up Thinking.

So where are the opportunities?
At the moment they are rather fragmented, but wouldn't it be good if everyone could work together for a common aim – the benefit of Whitchurch?
There are a number of travel-based issues that are all arising at the same time.

Could they not all be considered together?
Is it too much to ask for all parts of this jigsaw to fit together?

Here are EIGHT pieces. 
Will they be considered together, or in isolation?

JIGSAW PART ONE

SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN – REVIEW
As part of the Primary School's expansion Hampshire County Council say they are to revise their Travel Plan. There is a massive rise in obesity in children, along with increasing risks of coronary illnesses and greater chance of diabetes, all caused by a lack of exercise, while child social development is being hindered by a lack of play and independence. Travel Plans can help address these issues through various initiatives if properly implemented. HCC say the Plan sets out measures to "Encourage and enable pupils, parents, guardians and staff to walk and cycle to school."Review of their Travel Plan and how the School interacts with the local community is long overdue, the last being over ten years ago. 
HCC needs to involve the whole local community in its consultation.

JIGSAW PART TWO

WHITCHURCH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
Over the last 2 years the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by a Steering Committee under the auspices of the Town Council. This has included widespread public consultation on how the town should develop and how it can cater for 350 new homes. Traffic and parking were a prime concern in the public feedback while second in the list of community wishes was the need for improved walking and cycling routes.
This should be built upon and implemented.

JIGSAW PART THREE

BOROUGH CYCLING / WALKING STRATEGY
In April Basingstoke and Deane commenced consultation on a Cycling Strategy for the Borough and has appointed Sustrans, a national sustainable transport charity to assist. A mapping exercise is underway to determine best routes for walking and cycling, but at the moment it is very much Basingstoke Town biased. Whitchurch and the rural areas need to be fully involved. Deadlines are imminent.
Local residents should be able to input their views.

JIGSAW PART FOUR

COUNTY 'ROAD USERS' CONSULTATIONS
While Basingstoke and Deane are creating their Cycling Strategy for the Borough, Hampshire County Council have announced their own "which will be going out to public consultation, in the next few weeks, and we are welcoming comments/views, form various organisations who use the roads, including cyclists, drivers, pedestrians and public transport passengers."
It is not certain why there are two separate 'strategies' being developed but... 
Local input is essential.

JIGSAW PART FIVE

B3400 / WELLS-IN-THE-FIELD / OVERTON
Part of the requirement for the new school places is the need to cater for children from around Whitchurch, other areas being Overton and Freefolk/Laverstoke. There has long been a need for a safe footpath / cycle route along the B3400 and in particular to Wells-in-the-Field. With the opening of the new Gin Distillery Visitors' Centre, this latter link is of even more importance. Early in 2014 a feasibility study was produced and in April this year the Town Council was given the excellent news that "the legal process was under way to create a new footpath which would incorporate a cycle route, and funding had been secured through developer contributions."
This should now be pushed forward with vigour.

JIGSAW PART SIX

PARKING
Throughout the town parking is a major concern as shown in the Neighbourhood Plan responses. Much illegal parking on pavements, verges and corners takes place that adds danger to all road users. Along with the creation of safe routes across town to access homes, shops, schools, workplaces and community amenites, parking needs addressing as part of a whole transport strategy for Whitchurch. Provision of special drop off areas around the town may be part of a solution to easing traffic congestion, while time restrictions could be placed on HGV loading / deliveries.
The Neighbourhood Plan has a major part to play.

JIGSAW PART SEVEN

'WALKERS ARE WELCOME' ACCREDITATION
Walking has always been a popular activity in Whitchurch, and the local Walking for Health group has gone from strength to strength often with more than 50 taking part on their organised walks. A local charity, the Whitchurch Association, is presently applying for the town to be accredited as a 'Walkers are Welcome' location, a nationally recognised listing. The Town Council has already given its support.
This can be built upon.

NEW ITEM ADDED 12th May:
JIGSAW PART EIGHT

KNOWLINGS AFFORDABLE HOUSING additional traffic
The Town Council and HARAH (Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing) are supporting the building of 25 homes on the nearby Knowlings field, which will have the same traffic access as used by the Primary School. a) will pedestrian/cycle routes be linked to the school, and b) are Hampshire County Council working on a traffic plan to accommodate other local traffic which will be generated by this development?
Are all local agencies working together?

               

SUMMARY
Perhaps the school expansion can be the real catalyst for all the agencies to work together and help create an environment of which both they and the people who live and work in Whitchurch can be proud.

Involvement of local people is paramount in this, but will they be consulted in meaningful ways? Will those who oversee and spend our taxes allow that to happen?

WE MUST INSIST THEY DO.

Parking? Should it be a free-for-all?

Can someone explain Parking Provisions as they relate to Planning Regulations to me?

On-road 'parking' is raised as one of the most contentious subjects in Whitchurch and creates a wide range of opinions from many different viewpoints. Many believe that more should be provided, while others argue the opposite.

What is generally agreed by Planning rules is that new housing should have space for vehicles incorporated, so as not to add pressures to our over-crowded road systems. Roads are in place primarily for the movement of people and goods, including for personal travel, commercial services and emergency vehicles. They are not provided as private parking spaces, although some have specific areas allocated for parking.

As a result there are Planning standards laid down for incorporation of off-road parking into developments. This may be in the form of garage spaces or off-road hard-standings, or a combination of both.

So what happens when someone wants to convert a garage (a vehicle space) into a bedroom or office and they then submit a planning application?

I have no problems with such conversions except that they displace 'parking/vehicle' spaces – but should not part of a planning application require the provision of a replacement off-road space?

Or doesn't it matter?

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council seem to think not as they have allowed such applications, which add more pressure to our roads.

So if it doesn't matter, why do we have any standards being imposed in the first place?

Which raises the question: Should parking be a complete free-for-all?

Remember that pothole?

UPDATE 12th April 2015.
Remember that Evingar Road pothole that Hampshire County Council had claimed they had fixed – but hadn't? Previous article:  FIXING THOSE POTHOLES

After apparently carrying out the work, saying they had fixed the pothole, it STILL looked like this:

I decided to follow up this unacceptable misinformation with our County Councillor Tom Thacker.

I was pleased to receive the following response:

**********************
20th March 2015

Dear John,

Having had a look at the photograph on your attachment, highway engineers have located the pothole in question... [and] ...this morning have raised an order for the pothole to be repaired.
This should be done by Monday 24 March at the latest. (my emphasis)

Kind Regards

Tom T

**********************

It is now April 12th and have Hampshire carried out the work as Councillor Thacker had promised?

NO.

This picture was taken TODAY, 12th April, - compare it to the one above:

Nothing – zilch - has been done. Zero; nothing.

This pothole and road surface is potentially lethal and could easily throw someone off a cycle or motorbike, and could possibly damage motor vehicles too.
In fact it is now getting worse with considerable amounts of loose grit now being thrown on to the pavement and a further hole developing.
Hampshire County Council continue to claim to have fixed it while road users lives continue to remain at risk.

Meanwhile we are also paying for our roads to be maintained.

Housing in Whitchurch – Local views ignored

Most local people will be aware of the planning application that was made for housing on the Bloswood Lane allotments in Whitchurch.

The owners, the Hospital of St Cross, had applied for permission to build 34 houses on this very special site.

The Whitchurch Town Council opposed the development,

• so did the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan team,
• so did the local Borough Councillor,
• so did Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council,
• so too did many residents,
• as did many allotment holders themselves.

BUT – Despite this overwhelming local opposition a Government Inspector dismissed all these objections and has allowed the building to proceed.

This is a real sad decision for the town and for local democracy and shows we ALL need to work together against awful decisions like this that over-ride Whitchurch wishes.

So much for localism.

With a national election coming up I hope our candidates will be thinking hard about how they will represent local views.

THEY SHOULD BE ASKED

Fixing those Potholes - Really?

DON'T BELIEVE ALL YOU ARE TOLD

They called it 'Operation Resilience' and it was supposed to use our taxes to fix our roads and potholes for several years ahead by making repairs 'more permanent'. But is Hampshire County Council's scheme working or was this just all a PR 'soundbite'?

There is a standing joke when I'm dealing with helping people ride cycles, in that the potholes are put there to help improve bike handling skills. Certainly they require agility in swerving, bunny hopping, and in the worst cases the ability to fall off without causing much harm to yourself - don't flail arms out!

But are these skills becoming more necessary, and are Hampshire fixing the roads as they claim?

A pothole or broken road surface can cause damage to all vehicles and can have potentially lethal effects on someone on two wheels, throwing them off their machine and possibly under the wheels of other traffic. But is this very real threat to life taken seriously?

Which brings me to a particular local Whitchurch example – the Evingar road pothole.

There is an area towards the top of Evingar Road that has been reported several times – and several times it has been 'fixed'. Repeatedly the repair has broken up and further remedial work has been required.

However the latest incident takes the biscuit. The pothole was again reported and HCC rightly acknowledged it required fixing, then said works had been undertaken – but... had they?

See for yourself.

ONE – 22nd February 2015
This potentially lethal pothole and road surface was reported to HCC, with an exact location, and the the number of the house of which it was outside being provided.

TWO – 23rd February 2015
HCC acknowledged receipt.

Enquiry Reference: 21143592
Enquiry Type: Carriageway Pothole Defect
Location: EVINGAR ROAD

"We will assess your enquiry as soon as possible. We receive around 70,000 enquiries each year which we prioritise according to the nature of the issue."

"In most cases our staff will need to visit the site to make an assessment, which we aim to complete within two weeks, subject to availability."
__________

THREE – 3rd March 2015
HCC acknowledging a problem existed.

"The enquiry you raised has been inspected and does require action."
__________

FOUR – 5th March 2015
It would seem very good news. HCC say they have fixed it.

"Our contractor has made safe or repaired the reported problem."
__________

FIVE – 11th March 2015
I passed by the site of the safe/repaired pothole:

And you can compare it to the first picture. Err...

__________

MORAL
Operation Resilience?
You certainly need to be resilient when dealing with HCC.
Don't believe them when they say they have fixed something and continue to practice those bike handling skills.

We need to lobby HCC and our representatives at County level to ensure our roads are kept fit for purpose and safe for all, whatever mode of transport is used, motor or human powered.