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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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