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Thursday 17 January 2013

Busway Scheme - Park and Ride?



I took a look at the bus stops they are making on Dog Kennel Down, Houghton Regis,
 earlier this week. Near the top of this picture. 

From the size of the platforms that have been built, I got the impression they were expecting a few dozen people to be waiting at any one time. 

Workmen are installing rails on the roadway at that point on what would otherwise be a tarmacadamed road without those concrete guides. I asked a workman what the rails were needed for? (Not necessarily a good idea to ask a workman). He said it was to guide the buses so that when they pass they don't knock each other's wing mirrors. Not sure I entirely follow that one.

There is a distinct lack of park and ride incorporated into this scheme. 

As for "car parking", I kept looking at the land between fencing on Dog Kennel Down, near those bus stops, and wondering about the prospect of using that for parking. It might be that drivers decide to drive down Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, park up, and then get a bus from there into Luton for a train. That would clog up that particular road, nicely! And the businesses around there wouldn't be too happy about that.


Wednesday 16 January 2013

Time For Some Action In Town !

I had a pop at an illegal fly-posted signing in Houghton Regis last week. But in our High Street area, there is a lot of neglect. I want a smarter-looking town. Am I wrong for wanting that?

Rusty Bin. Ok, well it's not looking very smart ,but it still holds litter.
CBC 17/1/13: "Contracts Officer for that area to inspect and arrange replacement if appropriate. ref: 03229



This unused building is awaiting redevelopment. Meanwhile, it appears that someone has decided to elbow in some of the windows leaving jagged edges for anyone to cut their fingers on.
Another nearby building has a broken window, and I drew the shopkeeper's attention to it. He said it was being fixed.


Alleyway: nearby has discarded bus stop pole/cycle sign.
(cbc reference number for this issue is CRN 188426)

Same alleyway: cabinet needs attention.



... And if you're all in favour of mixing old and new architecture this is the latest view.
Personally, I'm not that big a fan. By the way that yellow "M" arrow does not point to the car park!



No entry at all, at all.


Anyway, as any local councillor would do, I have made sure that all these things are reported to the relevant authority to sort out.

And while I'm at it, I might as well advertise that I'm trying to get at least some of the pathway between Bovis Homes site on the Houghton Regis Quarry, and the A5 near French's Avenue, reopened. Subject, of course to checks by CBC, and agreement from the developers. It seems somewhat feasible. 

Path: might be reopened. Needs some fencing removed and hardcore in the red area.

A to B might be reopened at Houghton Regis Quarry edge.



Sunday 6 January 2013

Bandit Gets 8 Years

For all the worry and concern this man has caused me in Parkside ward over the last year, I hope he steers well clear of the area after his EIGHT YEARS are up. I couldn't vouch for his safety in this neighbourhood if he ever ventured back.

"Mark Crawford, 25, of Eldon Road, Luton, carried out three robberies in Houghton Regis in April 2012, on each occasion armed with a fake gun or a knife.
During his trial in November, Luton Crown Court heard jury had heard how Crawford disguised himself with a bandana and sunglasses as he stole mobile phones and an iPod.
The offences took place in Parkside Drive on April 2, Sandringham Drive on April 28 and again in Parkside Drive on April 30.
Crawford had denied all of the charges but a jury found him guilty on November 13 and he was remanded in custody until yesterday’s sentencing.
Judge Philip Bartle QC sentenced him to three eight-year jail terms, to be served concurrently."
Source: Luton Today