Representation by Anne Blake
- Date submitted
- 16 August 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Cross Lanes to Rokeby I have concerns about the proposed 'black' route that is being put forward on the grounds of safety to the public. As a local resident I often walk along the Sills in Startforth with my husband. Most times we end up walking on the road as the pavement is too narrow for the both of us. Due to the popularity of this walk it is not unusual for us to have to walk on the road more than once to allow dog walkers, families with pushchairs or with young children to keep on the pavement which is only on one side of the road. This is not so bad with traffic passing in one direction but should traffic pass in both directions it is dangerous as the road is not wide enough for 2 cars to pass safely. Larger vehicles such as motor homes, tractors & HGV vehicles are even more of a problem. Pedestrians on the narrow pavement, along with any extra traffic, would only increase the risk of serious injury and accidents. This is additional to increased problems & congestion that would be caused by extra traffic trying to cross the grade 1 listed County bridge & negotiating The Bank up into the town itself. According to information provided at the consultation in the town, it would seem that National Highwaygs England are aware of these issues & concerns as this is also mentioned on p87 of their document. I am not aware of any popular footpath or walkway, like The Sills, being available through the parkland at Rokeby, on the land that would be required for development, which makes me wonder why the Western Junction is being proposed to the detriment of families, walkers & dog owners. The area is private & separated from the main Rokeby park by the main HGV route to Barnard Castle. I would ask you to reconsider the decision to develop the Western junction at Rokeby for the above reasons and re instate the Eastern (blue) option I would like to know if Historic England have actually seen the site that they wish to be protected which I understand has endured tree felling in the past so that only a few trees would be lost in the blue scheme. From the information provided at the consultation day and subsequently, this seems to be the only reason why the blue route has been rejected. It states on p87 of the consultation document at least 6 positives for the Eastern junction, and 3 specific negatives for the Western junction. One negative involving land ownership, where it is stated that the owner prefers the Eastern junction. One involving the need for a diversion for walkers, though I would suggest the Eastern option would be a small price to pay for increased safety to both walkers and cyclists , not only at the junction but also in relation to Barnard Castle town itself. There is also a mention of noise pollution , which again according to your information on p87, would be of overall increased benefit to residents "from reduced traffic disturbance" should the Eastern junction be developed.