Living Streets representative's report for 2008/9

The Clock Tower

Nothing to affect us directly

By Bruce Smith, NLCA Living Streets representative

There have been no spectacular new events in the last year that would affect North Laine residents as walkers directly, though certain things have been ongoing, eg the improvements in North Street and suggestions for developments near the Clock Tower, while communal bins, and probably new signs with maps, will soon be here and will need careful monitoring.

Consultations with council officers

As usual we have been consulted by the Council's officers on various matters. However, sometimes it has been difficult to get at the information we wanted, as in the case of the draft plant for improvements to the approach to Brighton railway station, which we believe exists.

Of course the implementation of this and other projects will not be helped by the present economic situation. In fact cuts in transport expenditure have been widely publicised, though once again it has not yet been possible to know the detail or how such cuts might affect pedestrians.

Problems for the visually impaired and disabled

I have exchanged ideas with people representing the visually impaired on shared spaces such as New Road and reported on this. Obstructions such as advertising boards are also a concern, particularly to the disabled; and I have given so far tentative support to a paper suggesting they be drastically reduced or banned, although the Council itself apparently intends to reduce them by only 15%.

Add your views or comments

As in previous years, one slightly worrying thing is how few North Laine residents ever let me know what they think about any of these issues. So I'll just have to assume that you are as concerned about access and the appearance and 'walkability' of our streets as I am...

If you do have any views or comments, please add them below.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 197, March/April 2009]