So, we now have 8 zebra crossings in an area that used to have three light-controlled crossings, and traffic goes through the High Street in Houghton Regis much faster than it used to, albeit in a 20mph zone. Some pedestrians are still fearful that traffic won't stop for them; they are concerned about lighting and flooding, and worry if the false red brick surface is slippery, or will be slippery in icy conditions. The same fear about ice extends to motorcycle users.
We met as local councillors with officers from Central Bedfordshire, and from their Highways contractors, Amey (who oversaw the work as it was progressing; the actual work being done by third parties), back in October 2013.
I have personally written to Amey and to CBC officers several times since then. At that October meeting, we were promised the results of a safety scheme, and hopefully some news about what essential repairs will be made, based on that safety inspection. And yet, I am still waiting for feedback. Well, I guess an unpaid, unqualified, town councillor who hears people's concerns and happens to be the Town Council's Highways Rep, doesn't carry much clout with professionals; maybe they know best.
But it doesn't take much to realise that it's far from satisfactory. I took these pictures today. A few showers over the weekend and things are drying out, but you can see from the tidemarks on the footpaths that it is not right.
I rather fancy they know something is definitely amiss, but suspect there might be some to-ing and fro-ing going on between them and the private contractors about culpability; in other words who might be down to pick up the tab.
Meanwhile, residents of the town are suffering from workmanship that is well below par, and it will need to be resolved, sooner rather than later, if you, please.
