Dear editor,
Yet another Freedom of Information request relating to the Clapham Road roundabout through to the station has recently been released by East-West Rail.
It has revealed many more years of misery that will be heaped upon Bedford and its residents if the chosen Northern route E is to go ahead.
Extensive works on the Sainsbury’s Roundabout, Clapham Road. With large areas being taken for construction compounds for the building of a new viaduct to Clapham and re-routing, yes, re-routing, of the Great Ouse Way.
Ashburnham Road being dedicated as a ‘haul route’- one that is used for construction traffic and deliveries. There is no mention of the impact on residents and businesses that front this road or commuters attempting to use the station. The provision of station parking is unclear.
Severe delays to travel times on foot, by cycle, car or public transport with increased air pollution resulting from idling traffic and the subsequent economic knockout to town centre businesses. Seriously, who will want to come to Bedford and brave this confusion, diversion and disruption to spend their hard-earned money?
For in-depth details, please visit Bfare’s website and report on this.
There is an alternative route if we are to have an East-West Rail connection. It brings the same benefits to Bedford as the route currently proposed without the devastation and demolitions.
We need to have serious, non-political, open conversations with our leaders and demand that Bedford is listened to.
To paraphrase the recent open letter published in Bedford Independent, work with anyone and everyone that has a vision. Be bold. But most of all, make Bedford proud.
Read: Mayor Wootton, make Debenhams a legacy Bedford can be proud of
Bedford deserves better; be bold; be determined; challenge the status quo and demand better for Bedford. Make Bedford proud.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Nicola Gribble
Independent, Renhold & Ravensden
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