Councillors of the nearby Meriden Estate, which is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment, have expressed concern over new shopping parking spaces that they think could lead to dangerous situations.
In their most recent newsletter, developers Watford Community Housing (WCH) announced the prioritisation of the opening of parking spaces for the new flats being built, which they say will help reduce the number of vehicles in the area.
Cllr Amanda Grimston has been working with the housing group to push for increased safety measures in the development and for the furthering along of the parking plans.
WCH also announced that the current location of their site offices will eventually be converted into further spaces for residents and shoppers to use.
However, some concerns remain over safety. The positioning of some of the new parking spots mean pedestrians will have to cross over the Gossamers and York Way using the provided pedestrian crossings.
Councillors worry people will avoid these altogether, taking an alternative but more dangerous route to speed up their journey to the shops.
Cllr Jenny Pattinson said ” We are pleased that parking will be prioritised to serve the new shopping area on the Meriden Estate, but we do want to ensure it is safe for shoppers to cross the roads.
“We will continue to work with WCH to provide the safest solution for the people using the new facilities.”
Lisa Cathro, Director of Development for Watford Community Housing, said: “Naturally, public safety is a priority for Watford Community Housing and we want to make the shopping parade as accessible as possible for local residents.
“We have worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council, who have responsibility for the roads and pavements, to ensure that residents can access the shops in a safe manner via the crossings at the Gossamers and York Way, and we would strongly encourage shoppers to use this route.”
this development is a joke. no thought about existing residents . WCH just want more flats more money . the old shops had safe parking , now having buildings on every corner and people parking on the crossing makes it very unsafe. But like i say it’s all about the money.