Meriden Tudor councillor Stephen Cavinder has spoken of his disappointment and frustration regarding the lack of progress on the Meriden shops scheme.
He says that this much-needed scheme to improve pedestrian safety outside the shopping parade on the Meriden Estate has still not been approved.
Cllr Cavinder explained that Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has had several meetings with Watford Community Housing (WCH) to discuss the proposals and encourage action. However, an acceptable plan has not yet been put forward for HCC to approve.
Speaking to GARSTONnews, cllr Cavinder said: “I first started discussing this issue with WCH in May 2021. Despite several meetings, including an onsite meeting with the chief executive of WCH and their staff in March 2022 and with various agencies in September 2023, WCH are still not able to advise me when approval will be given and equipment installed.
“In the meantime, there are many close call instances where pedestrians have come into near contact with vehicles. Now, many residents tell me they won’t shop at the parade anymore because it’s just too dangerous.
“WCH tell me that this matter is at the top of their list of priorities and if this really is the case, then I don’t understand why, more than three years on, there is still no resolution.
“This matter needs to be concluded quickly before someone gets seriously injured.”
A spokesperson for WCH said: “The safety of the community is our top priority and we are continuing to work closely with all parties to ensure that suitable street furniture is installed as soon as possible. We have had constructive conversations with HCC and we are hopeful that we will receive approval for the final works in the coming weeks.”
0 Comments