(Work on lighting, pedestrian routes and crossings is continuing. Work on the proposed cycle lane is subject to the Traffic Regulation Order process.)
David Dixon was due to meet the leader of B&NES Cllr Kevin Guy at 1 o’clock today and l haven’t heard from him how things went.
However, the Council has been super quick in putting out a press release following that meeting with him and several other people supporting his opposition to the proposed cycle lane through Royal Victoria Park.
Here it is in full:
‘Residents, community groups and volunteers are being asked to play a greater role in shaping the long-term future of Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.
The council wants to build on the park’s valued existing network of volunteers and community organisations by developing a partnership to create a shared vision for its future.
Council leaders met some residents at the Guildhall today (Thursday 5 November) to listen and respond to their concerns about improvement works currently under way in the park.
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath’s most treasured spaces and people quite reasonably care deeply about what happens there.
“I want to thank the residents who took the time to meet us today and share their views. We have listened carefully to their concerns. As an example, we put forward the option of extended free parking on Sundays as we felt this could address some of their issues but those residents attending did not agree.
“There is, however, a lot we agree on. The park is a shared space, and we all want it to remain a wonderful place for residents and visitors. People have different views about how to achieve that, which is why we need a renewed focus on developing a shared vision.
“In the short term, the council, with input from a new partnership, will review the current improvement works after they have been in place for a year. We intend to bring together the park’s existing volunteer groups, community interests, councillors and the council through a partnership. Its initial focus would be to develop a shared vision, providing a clear framework for future priorities. It would also explore how residents and volunteers can play an even greater role in the park’s future.”
The current works are part of a wider programme to make Royal Victoria Park safer, more accessible and easier to use throughout the year. The programme includes:
- Improved pavements, heritage-style lighting and pedestrian crossings.
- A proposed family-friendly segregated cycle route.
Work on lighting, pedestrian routes and crossings is continuing. Work on the proposed cycle lane is subject to the Traffic Regulation Order process.’
Perhaps now, with all future projects of consequence we should remember that the best work we do for our communities is the work we do together rather than those which we do despite each other.