Wrong way to send HGVs in Southery
PROPOSALS for changes to traffic flow in Southery have concerned locals.
Several residents of Lynn Road expressed their concerns at the parish council meeting about the reported highway department proposals.
The parish council confirmed that it had already informed the highways department that the use of Lynn Road as the only in and out route for HGVs through the village was impractical.
Residents agreed, pointing out that the Lynn Road bends were not designed for the volume of vehicles that would be involved. Vehicles are also already driving over the pavement and grass at the village green.
Recognising that there was a hazardous traffic situation in Westgate Street at the school area, several residents felt that the school authorities should encourage parents and children to walk to the school.
Opinions were expressed that car parking on the Westgate pavements encouraged HGV drivers to speed through the street and that parking in nearby Churchgate Street was more practical.
Ten members of the public joined the full January Southery Parish Council meeting, chaired by Councillor Marilyn Robinson at the village hall.
Cllr Robinson reported that she would be assisting highways engineer, Mr Edmunds, on a survey and general check of the condition of roads and pavements throughout the village during January.
The council decided, for budgetary reasons, to keep the Halls Close access footpath as constructed. Any extension will be completed using the 2008 budget.
Another quotation for the War Memorial footpath will be sought in accordance with regulations for parish councils.
The telephone pole, in an obscure, dark spot in Feltwell Road, will be made more visible by BT with the addition of suitable reflective material.
The council accepted the quoted 2008 prices for grass cutting and clearing of public places by the current contractor. The council has been satisfied with the standard of work throughout 2007, and no complaints have been received from residents.
The council noted correspondence from South West Norfolk MP, Mr Christopher Fraser, apologising for his absence at the recent public meeting concerning traffic problems. Mr Fraser asked to be kept in touch with village affairs. He had been at the House of Commons during the village meeting.
The council again discussed the ongoing traffic situation. There was agreement that some heavy goods vehicles were still speeding through the village and that quite a number of car drivers offended as well.
There also appeared to be a loophole in the traffic direction signs that allowed heavy tractors with loaded trailers where HGVs were barred. The council can only request that tractor drivers respect their neighbours and drive considerately through Southery. It was expected that beet traffic would increase towards the end of the season.
Norfolk Police had noted a recent report that the village is to get a new police constable. The police confirmed that the new constable would also be new to all the 24 villages surrounding Downham. Community Police coverage for the village was confirmed.
Correspondence between the 1987 council and landowners west of the Wearing (village green), agreeing that trees would not be planted at the public area was noted. The council discussed possible measures for management of the unused areas of the playing field.
Suggested proposals included a skate park, leisure track and establishment of wild flower areas, which would be mowed seasonally only. The wild flower idea was also suggested for unused portions of the cemetery, but turned down by the council.
The playing field support group can investigate available grant aid for recreational improvements and their relevant governing regulations.
The rubbish bin at Campsey Road will be repaired and replaced.
Granta Housing Association will be asked to sort out the situation at their properties in Hall’s Close after complaints from local residents.
A local resident expressed an interest in the formation of a youth club, noting the existing facilities at the village hall. The council suggested that he put his ideas to the village hall committee at their next meeting.
The parish clerk recorded a 20 payment for a licence to arrange raffles, etc as fundraising schemes.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
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