Objections crossed out (From Stroud News and Journal)

Objections crossed out

TRADERS are outraged by Gloucestershire County Council's plan to go ahead with a pedestrian crossing at Brimscombe corner.

Shop owners had fought a five month battle with the council to have the proposed road alterations changed.

The feisty traders led by Karen Marks of Furley's newsagents even managed to halt work, in February when they successfully stopped workmen by parking a van across the road.

But Gloucestershire County Council has now decided to continue the £64,000 road alterations which include 'build outs' and a puffin crossing. The decision was made last Tuesday evening after two previous meetings had failed to make any headway.

A disappointed Mrs Marks told the SNJ: "We are not happy. The council was never going to budge."

Ben Walker scheme project manager for the council said: "We have listened to the concerns of residents and business owners and hope that the new proposals will balance the need to provide a safe, designated crossing and car parking requirement for the shops."

Mrs Marks did concede that a small compromise had been reached. "The build out has been moved slightly and will be just before the bus shelter but it will still mean the loss of two parking spaces," she said.

Work to install the puffin crossing requested by the governors of Brimscombe School and councillors has now begun.