Town Hall protesters urge councils to scrap High Street car ban (From Essex County Standard)
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Town Hall protesters urge councils to scrap High Street car ban
10:57am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News
Town Hall protesters urge councils to scrap High Street car ban
CAMPAIGNERS have urged council bosses to scrap Colchester’s High Street car ban almost as soon as it begins.
Nearly 50 traders, residents, disabled campaigners, restaurateurs, publicans and even primary school pupils gathered at Colchester Town Hall to register their opposition to the 18-month trial, which launches on Sunday.
They say the restrictions, which will see only buses, taxis, bikes and motorbikes allowed down the High Street from 11am to 6pm, will damage trade, stop disabled people reaching the town centre and cause traffic chaos on surrounding roads.
The protesters highlighted the restrictions by bringing a sofa, a beer barrel and delivery equipment to the steps of the Town Hall, while two volunteered to wear wedding dresses.
Passing taxi drivers also honked their support during the 30 minute stunt.
They were carrying around 50 balloons with “No” written on and one with “Yes” on it - a reference to a consultation last year which saw 178 people oppose the changes and only two support them.
Comments(56)
TheCaptain
says...
11:39am Wed 13 Mar 13
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
sandgronun64
says...
11:56am Wed 13 Mar 13
I knew you'd respond ... as I predicted.
Oh yes, and declined to comment.
someguyoverthere
says...
11:56am Wed 13 Mar 13
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
sandgronun64
says...
12:17pm Wed 13 Mar 13
someguyoverthere wrote:Hey Captain!
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Still think it is just me?
What about all the others that similarly voice their concern?
Saying that people are 'more vocal' because they disagree is essentially a derisory sentiment, as well as being a very worn cliché.
No doubt you would prefer us all to 'agree in silence' and make the authorities' day much easier? After all, the council sometimes appears to wholeheartedly believe that to be the case already.
pingu
says...
12:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
TheCaptain
says...
12:25pm Wed 13 Mar 13
sandgronun64 wrote:I never said it was just you. I said it was an opinion that all these things were wrong. But you make it sound like these are all facts.
someguyoverthere wrote:Hey Captain!
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Still think it is just me?
What about all the others that similarly voice their concern?
Saying that people are 'more vocal' because they disagree is essentially a derisory sentiment, as well as being a very worn cliché.
No doubt you would prefer us all to 'agree in silence' and make the authorities' day much easier? After all, the council sometimes appears to wholeheartedly believe that to be the case already.
And likewise lots of people are in favour of these things, and again these are opinions.
However unless new things are tried then we are stuck in a rut.
Also how do other towns towns manage with road restrictions?
sandgronun64
says...
12:34pm Wed 13 Mar 13
TheCaptain wrote:They ban all the traffic and PEDESTRIANISE the area - not this poorly conceived half measure.
sandgronun64 wrote:I never said it was just you. I said it was an opinion that all these things were wrong. But you make it sound like these are all facts.
someguyoverthere wrote:Hey Captain!
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Still think it is just me?
What about all the others that similarly voice their concern?
Saying that people are 'more vocal' because they disagree is essentially a derisory sentiment, as well as being a very worn cliché.
No doubt you would prefer us all to 'agree in silence' and make the authorities' day much easier? After all, the council sometimes appears to wholeheartedly believe that to be the case already.
And likewise lots of people are in favour of these things, and again these are opinions.
However unless new things are tried then we are stuck in a rut.
Also how do other towns towns manage with road restrictions?
TheCaptain
says...
12:48pm Wed 13 Mar 13
sandgronun64 wrote:They do indeed. But then all the problem of deliveries etc still exists.
TheCaptain wrote:They ban all the traffic and PEDESTRIANISE the area - not this poorly conceived half measure.
sandgronun64 wrote:I never said it was just you. I said it was an opinion that all these things were wrong. But you make it sound like these are all facts.
someguyoverthere wrote:Hey Captain!
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Still think it is just me?
What about all the others that similarly voice their concern?
Saying that people are 'more vocal' because they disagree is essentially a derisory sentiment, as well as being a very worn cliché.
No doubt you would prefer us all to 'agree in silence' and make the authorities' day much easier? After all, the council sometimes appears to wholeheartedly believe that to be the case already.
And likewise lots of people are in favour of these things, and again these are opinions.
However unless new things are tried then we are stuck in a rut.
Also how do other towns towns manage with road restrictions?
TheCaptain
says...
12:50pm Wed 13 Mar 13
someguyoverthere wrote:You can drive along Head Street onto the top of North Hill and park outside the church. There won't be much traffic coming up the hill so that should be okay.
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
sandgronun64
says...
12:53pm Wed 13 Mar 13
TheCaptain wrote:So, let's get this straight. Now you are against the plan?
sandgronun64 wrote:They do indeed. But then all the problem of deliveries etc still exists.
TheCaptain wrote:They ban all the traffic and PEDESTRIANISE the area - not this poorly conceived half measure.
sandgronun64 wrote:I never said it was just you. I said it was an opinion that all these things were wrong. But you make it sound like these are all facts.
someguyoverthere wrote:Hey Captain!
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Still think it is just me?
What about all the others that similarly voice their concern?
Saying that people are 'more vocal' because they disagree is essentially a derisory sentiment, as well as being a very worn cliché.
No doubt you would prefer us all to 'agree in silence' and make the authorities' day much easier? After all, the council sometimes appears to wholeheartedly believe that to be the case already.
And likewise lots of people are in favour of these things, and again these are opinions.
However unless new things are tried then we are stuck in a rut.
Also how do other towns towns manage with road restrictions?
jammin
says...
12:55pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I can see west stockwell street getting awfully busy with delivery drivers.
sandgronun64
says...
12:56pm Wed 13 Mar 13
TheCaptain wrote:By the way captain, this person did notice a problem with the new bus street.
someguyoverthere wrote:You can drive along Head Street onto the top of North Hill and park outside the church. There won't be much traffic coming up the hill so that should be okay.
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
No comment?
Or is that just 'their opinion' too?
TheCaptain
says...
1:18pm Wed 13 Mar 13
someguyoverthere
says...
1:58pm Wed 13 Mar 13
These areas became worse when they added extra bus stops to some of the roads
Also no you won't be able to unload the cars and stop there as it's going to be no waiting, parking wardens will end up giving funeral cars tickets.
wearebeingwatched
says...
2:44pm Wed 13 Mar 13
someguyoverthere wrote:Now I know that Traffic Wardens do everything in their power to issue tickets at every opportunity, but I really cannot see them issuing a ticket to hearse.
Stopping quotes now they it becomes to long.
These areas became worse when they added extra bus stops to some of the roads
Also no you won't be able to unload the cars and stop there as it's going to be no waiting, parking wardens will end up giving funeral cars tickets.
There are already restrictions on North Hill so nothing will change there.
Colchester boy
says...
2:53pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Pushing hundreds of cars up Balkerne Hill along Southway, Headgate Head St.
and all of this during rush hour!
God help the staff trying to get out of the college of an evening with all the traffic coming down the hill.
This plan will not work.
Reginald47
says...
2:56pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I am getting sick and tired of hearing too much 'me,me,me,me,me' all the time. The prime example is sandgronun64 who seems to think because he says 'I don't like the bus station, VAF and part-pedestrianisati
on' it's automatically the majority view. It isn't. Some people don't like these things; others do; even more don't give a toss either way. Someone has to think of the general good even if others disagree - the difference is that they have been ELECTED to make that decision and you haven't. There are things I don't like about it which I strongly believe won't work, but I recognise the council has a right to to it even the bits I disagree with. I suggest all you whingers get off your backsides, start campaigning on the streets as council candidates next year, get elected (which you will because everyone agrees with you, don't they) and see how you get on when the people who disagree with you start moaning. I wouldn't be a councillor for a million pounds!
wearebeingwatched
says...
2:57pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Colchester boy wrote:But they finish work at 3 - 3.30 :-)
What about the hundreds of staff from The Sixth Form College on North Hill?
Pushing hundreds of cars up Balkerne Hill along Southway, Headgate Head St.
and all of this during rush hour!
God help the staff trying to get out of the college of an evening with all the traffic coming down the hill.
This plan will not work.
wearebeingwatched
says...
2:59pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Reginald47 wrote:Well said that man!
It's already no waiting and they do it now - there have always been exceptions for funerals outside the church.
I am getting sick and tired of hearing too much 'me,me,me,me,me' all the time. The prime example is sandgronun64 who seems to think because he says 'I don't like the bus station, VAF and part-pedestrianisati
on' it's automatically the majority view. It isn't. Some people don't like these things; others do; even more don't give a toss either way. Someone has to think of the general good even if others disagree - the difference is that they have been ELECTED to make that decision and you haven't. There are things I don't like about it which I strongly believe won't work, but I recognise the council has a right to to it even the bits I disagree with. I suggest all you whingers get off your backsides, start campaigning on the streets as council candidates next year, get elected (which you will because everyone agrees with you, don't they) and see how you get on when the people who disagree with you start moaning. I wouldn't be a councillor for a million pounds!
Colchester boy
says...
3:24pm Wed 13 Mar 13
wearebeingwatched wrote:95% of the staff leave college between 4.30 and 5.30pm.
Colchester boy wrote:But they finish work at 3 - 3.30 :-)
What about the hundreds of staff from The Sixth Form College on North Hill?
Pushing hundreds of cars up Balkerne Hill along Southway, Headgate Head St.
and all of this during rush hour!
God help the staff trying to get out of the college of an evening with all the traffic coming down the hill.
This plan will not work.
I'm not sure if this is a joke about teachers leaving early or just misinformation to support your side of the argument.
You sound like you work in politics ; )
Bert_Stimpson
says...
3:34pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Reginald47 wrote:To say that people should not complain about incompetent decisions by elected officials unless they are prepared to stand for election against them is a simplistic and disingenuous stance to take.
It's already no waiting and they do it now - there have always been exceptions for funerals outside the church.
I am getting sick and tired of hearing too much 'me,me,me,me,me' all the time. The prime example is sandgronun64 who seems to think because he says 'I don't like the bus station, VAF and part-pedestrianisati
on' it's automatically the majority view. It isn't. Some people don't like these things; others do; even more don't give a toss either way. Someone has to think of the general good even if others disagree - the difference is that they have been ELECTED to make that decision and you haven't. There are things I don't like about it which I strongly believe won't work, but I recognise the council has a right to to it even the bits I disagree with. I suggest all you whingers get off your backsides, start campaigning on the streets as council candidates next year, get elected (which you will because everyone agrees with you, don't they) and see how you get on when the people who disagree with you start moaning. I wouldn't be a councillor for a million pounds!
It would help if the elected officials had the honesty to acknowledge their mistakes and listen to the voice of the public in consultations. Not plough on regardless and reject all criticism out of hand.
I would prefer an elected democracy where those in positions of power actually listen to those that put them there for the duration of their term in office.
The catalogue of project failures in Colchester speaks for itself. People have the right to complain. It is just a shame that the elected officials are not prepared to listen.
wearebeingwatched
says...
3:44pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Colchester boy wrote:You will be telling me next that 95% of the staff also work during the 15 weeks or so holiday they get.
wearebeingwatched wrote:95% of the staff leave college between 4.30 and 5.30pm.
Colchester boy wrote:But they finish work at 3 - 3.30 :-)
What about the hundreds of staff from The Sixth Form College on North Hill?
Pushing hundreds of cars up Balkerne Hill along Southway, Headgate Head St.
and all of this during rush hour!
God help the staff trying to get out of the college of an evening with all the traffic coming down the hill.
This plan will not work.
I'm not sure if this is a joke about teachers leaving early or just misinformation to support your side of the argument.
You sound like you work in politics ; )
Jess Jephcott
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4:04pm Wed 13 Mar 13
kers in the town at the weekend, and loads of other stuff that I can't think of right now.
Reginald47
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4:57pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Nevtyler
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4:58pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Bert_Stimpson
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5:27pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Jess Jephcott wrote:I partially agree with JJ, which is surprising in itself. I don't support firsts*ite and the cultural quarter. I think the millions lavished so far and still being wasted on these vanity projects would be much better spent on some of the other areas he highlights - Jumbo, Odeon, heritage etc.
I am in full support of the plan to remove cars from the High Street but would prefer it if they did the job properly and pedestrianised the High Street fully. I also fully support firstsite, the new bus terminus, the cultural quarter plans, Bob Russell, park and ride and many other things the moaning minnies of Colchester regularly vent their spleens about. What I don't like is the lack of transparency at council meetings, traffic lights and signs around our war memorial, plans for 1800 houses at Mile End, a lack of action over Jumbo, the state of the old Odeon cinema, potholes, smelly buses, lazy car drivers who could just as easily take a bus, the lack of the council's interest in our heritage, the tolerance by a lacklustre police force of drunks/beggars/shrie
kers in the town at the weekend, and loads of other stuff that I can't think of right now.
In fairness to the Council, the 'pedestrianisation that's not really pedestrianisation' car ban and the 'bus station that's not really a bus station' smoking shelter have been hugely successful as diversionary tactics.
They've taken the heat off the continued millions squandered on firsts*ite, the Tymperleys saga, park and ride fiasco etc.
Simon Taylor
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6:13pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Otherwise, I agree with Jess 80-90%, as usual.
jim_bo
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7:10pm Wed 13 Mar 13
They are made by officers who wave the documentation under the councillors nose for sign off.
More time should be taken by our councillors to scrutinise these documents as often they are full of flaws.
ALIUK1
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8:01pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I do not however like the Firstsite after seeing the ammount of flaws with the job of building it as the real truth behind it seems to have been overlooked.
All I can say is the ammount of money wasted in this town is a disgrace and should be reviewed.
The car ban should apply to motorcycles as well as they are still a motorised vehicle and make as much noise and emit the same polution a car does.
Sidney Harbour-Bridge
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9:04pm Wed 13 Mar 13
sandgronun64
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9:39pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Sidney Harbour-Bridge wrote:Yes, they can drive straight up west Stockwell Street.
Bet Council staff and Councillors will still be able to drive to their free car park behind the town hall - have they made changes to the road network to benefit themselves?
sandgronun64
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9:53pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Most others commented on the story - a tale that was actually about people protesting about something they strongly disagree with. Well done to all those that did and shame on the trolls!
And Reggie boy, if the role of councillor had a one million pound salary attached, I and many others would be extremely interested in standing. An extremely strange thing to say!
And yes, I know that most of this comment could essentially be viewed as 'trolling' but you started on me, not I on you.
Ridere Clara Voce!
Hamiltonandy
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11:57pm Wed 13 Mar 13
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Colchester Council has ignored reasonable discussion and will ignore all protests. Only to be expected by the cultural barbarians who thought squandering £28million on a structurally deficient tin shed was a good idea.
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Colchester Council moves from one disaster to another. Closing the bus station without replacement. Trying to sell Tymperleys and failed but offended every charity and business involved. The only interest group that supports the council is the Firstsite parasites. I look forward to meeting these wasters at the next council meeting when they make their annual appearance to demand more money.
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Colchester Council seems determined to destroy itself and I will help them all the way. It is not just locally they have infuriated interest groups. Their notorious behaviour has caused loss of two government structural development grants. Everyone can see how fast the population is growing as the housing estates expand but without essential infrastructure investment. A shameful monument to this morally defective council.
HARRY438
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2:54am Thu 14 Mar 13
Justice79
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7:03am Thu 14 Mar 13
sandgronun64 wrote:Not the sharpest tool in the box are you.
At the end of a hard day at work, I love to see my prediction come true. The council defence league - TheCaptain, Reginald47, went into full troll mode, and set about denying the right to a difference of opinion.
Most others commented on the story - a tale that was actually about people protesting about something they strongly disagree with. Well done to all those that did and shame on the trolls!
And Reggie boy, if the role of councillor had a one million pound salary attached, I and many others would be extremely interested in standing. An extremely strange thing to say!
And yes, I know that most of this comment could essentially be viewed as 'trolling' but you started on me, not I on you.
Ridere Clara Voce!
Firstly the captain acknowledged your right to an opinion it doesn't mean that because you think it we all have to agree.
And secondly you would be prepared to stand as a councillor and represent your community but only for a huge financial reward how wonderfully selfish I can see not why you've been acting like a spoilt child above.
Hamiltonandy
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9:20am Thu 14 Mar 13
sandgronun64
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10:07am Thu 14 Mar 13
Justice79 wrote:Three points:
sandgronun64 wrote:Not the sharpest tool in the box are you.
At the end of a hard day at work, I love to see my prediction come true. The council defence league - TheCaptain, Reginald47, went into full troll mode, and set about denying the right to a difference of opinion.
Most others commented on the story - a tale that was actually about people protesting about something they strongly disagree with. Well done to all those that did and shame on the trolls!
And Reggie boy, if the role of councillor had a one million pound salary attached, I and many others would be extremely interested in standing. An extremely strange thing to say!
And yes, I know that most of this comment could essentially be viewed as 'trolling' but you started on me, not I on you.
Ridere Clara Voce!
Firstly the captain acknowledged your right to an opinion it doesn't mean that because you think it we all have to agree.
And secondly you would be prepared to stand as a councillor and represent your community but only for a huge financial reward how wonderfully selfish I can see not why you've been acting like a spoilt child above.
1 I never said everyone 'had' to agree with me - read the posts.
2 Reginald47 said, and I quote "I wouldn't be a councillor for a million pounds" My comment was intended to show the irony of his having attacked my comment by saying that I should stand for the council, whilst clearly voicing his unwillingness to stand himself, whatever the remuneration on offer.
3 By attacking me in a personal way, you have also become a troll. I am not sure how you have 'evaluated' my 'sharpness' but pretending another is stupid because they do not share your views is does neither you, nor your argument any service.
Justice79
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12:08pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Jess Jephcott
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12:42pm Thu 14 Mar 13
sandgronun64
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1:11pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Justice79 wrote:Just for the record I never called anybody any 'names' but agree that this has become rather childish.
No but calling people names and staying "they started it" had made your argument all the more valid.
Anyone care to comment on the story?
someguyoverthere
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3:13pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Ritchie_Hicks
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4:28pm Thu 14 Mar 13
In terms of this article - I don't understand how the car ban will stop disabled people from accessing the shops.
But if it's true that only 2 people supported this, and 178 didn't, then something somewhere has gone seriously wrong if it's still going ahead.
blockpaver
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5:08pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Itsme66
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6:11pm Thu 14 Mar 13
With a protest like that it obviously means the whole town is against it, I will keep travelling from my home town Colchester to Ipswich or Chelmsford where it is safer to walk along the shopping streets.
It's strange all of the shops in those towns seem to get deliveries.
Lets ban all traffic from head street and the high street and maybe we can start catching up with some of our neighbours.
babygirlsummer2011
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9:44am Fri 15 Mar 13
d m weston
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9:34pm Fri 15 Mar 13
shrubender1
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10:40am Sat 16 Mar 13
rowhedge-dave
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2:20pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Surely that is a total contradiction, an oximoron.
Either it is pedestrianised or it is not pedestrianised.
By the very nature of the scheme it will encourage people to walk in the road (the purpose of pedestianisation), along with the buses, motor cycles and taxis!
This is an serious accident waiting to happen.
Bert_Stimpson
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10:25pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Smartlad47
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10:38pm Sat 16 Mar 13
TheCaptain wrote:My elderly mother, who does nt drive , now stays away from Colchester since they changed the so called bus station, due to the extra inclines she has to walk up, from where she gets off, near the bingo hall, has no choice but to either go st.botolphs, or through the car park or the street where Wilkingsons is, she is 79, am struggles walking long distances, well, for her age anyway, okay for healthy councillor s to put the bus stop at the bottom of the town, but not for her,
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
Smartlad47
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10:41pm Sat 16 Mar 13
someguyoverthere wrote:I agree about the busses, they do all try and get four busses in one stop, causing tailbacks into Head Street and down North Hill sometimes,
TheCaptain wrote:The bus station still causes hell, there's not a day of the week that I'm not sat on high Street, head street or queen Street behind a bus that hasn't pulled into a stop properly. These are roads I have to use daily. The only difference is people gave up complaining because it fell on deaf ears. What's happening to the high street is extremely bad for some of the businesses. Example anyone having a funeral service at the church at the top of North hill have to unload all the funeral cars coffin included and walk from down the bottom of the hill to then top, they can no longer pull up near by or use the disabled entrance and bay that is on the high street.
sandgronun64 wrote:The point is that your comments are your opinions.
Sadly, saying no to the council will have no effect whatsoever. They will push ahead regardless if it is 'their' aim to do so; even if it meets overwhelming opposition in the planning phase. Think Firstsite, think Bus (station) street ... feel free to add to this list yourselves. Neither of these were wanted by the local populace but the council (as always) turned a 'deaf ear.'
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.
Lots of other people are in favour of Firstsite, the bus station and the road closures.
It's also no surprise that the people who are against change are more vocal than the one in favour.
When the bus station was changed in November there there were so many negative comments on how this would affect travel around town. Did anyone notice any issues. Yes on the first few days which were addressed and now there are no problems with the buses.
So all we lost was the ability to wait for a bus in a bus garage.
The general public have no idea how much extra work and money we are going to have to do to try and make out businesses run smoothly.
There are breweries having arguments because there delivery drivers see it unfit walking rather large distances rolling barrels down the high street. Because of the new bus lanes stopping deliveries outside certain pubs.
Even the GAS companies that deliver highly explosive canisters and a large amount at a time are now going yo have to carry these down the road.
Smartlad47
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10:49pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Jess Jephcott wrote:I do maintenance work for some of the shops in Colchester high street, so how do I get to the shops then if all vehicles are banned ? . . . .but I do agree on later items you have . .
I am in full support of the plan to remove cars from the High Street but would prefer it if they did the job properly and pedestrianised the High Street fully. I also fully support firstsite, the new bus terminus, the cultural quarter plans, Bob Russell, park and ride and many other things the moaning minnies of Colchester regularly vent their spleens about. What I don't like is the lack of transparency at council meetings, traffic lights and signs around our war memorial, plans for 1800 houses at Mile End, a lack of action over Jumbo, the state of the old Odeon cinema, potholes, smelly buses, lazy car drivers who could just as easily take a bus, the lack of the council's interest in our heritage, the tolerance by a lacklustre police force of drunks/beggars/shrie
kers in the town at the weekend, and loads of other stuff that I can't think of right now.
Smartlad47
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10:53pm Sat 16 Mar 13
ALIUK1 wrote:So a 125 cc petrol engine emits the same amount of chocking fumes as a three litre petrol car then . . ? ? . . You sure ?
I am a supporter of Sir Bob after hisrecent escapades to get my family moved form our flat which the council said was ok to live in despite the problems we had incurred. Sir Bob got involved as well as Cllr's Young to sort our problem as we have now been moved into a more adequate property.
I do not however like the Firstsite after seeing the ammount of flaws with the job of building it as the real truth behind it seems to have been overlooked.
All I can say is the ammount of money wasted in this town is a disgrace and should be reviewed.
The car ban should apply to motorcycles as well as they are still a motorised vehicle and make as much noise and emit the same polution a car does.
Smartlad47
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11:00pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Itsme66 wrote:That's exactly right, I live just outside Colchester town and always travel to Ipswich because of the park and ride, only time I go into Colchester, Town, is on my motorcycle when it's dry, . . . So not much then eh . . . Lol . . As traffic is such a nightmare, I can be in town, shopping done and home in an hour, where as if on four wheels, would take me nearly that to get into town, through the traffic and get parked, . . . .the councillor s need to learn from Suffolk Councillors I think, they got it worked out,
Oh dear how sad is this list of comments, it seem you are all more interested in each other rather than the 17 people in the picture that protested and one of those was on a bike so it will not affect them.
With a protest like that it obviously means the whole town is against it, I will keep travelling from my home town Colchester to Ipswich or Chelmsford where it is safer to walk along the shopping streets.
It's strange all of the shops in those towns seem to get deliveries.
Lets ban all traffic from head street and the high street and maybe we can start catching up with some of our neighbours.
CO6 resident
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9:01pm Sun 17 Mar 13
The same can be said for the ridiculous 24hr 'bus and taxi roads' which just mean other traffic uses surrounding roads.
I do not expect small minded council members to deny me the use of roads I pay to travel on.
sandgronun64 says...
11:29am Wed 13 Mar 13
This is the cue for the council 'trolls' to comment on what I have had to say. They will no doubt decline to comment however on the point that the way this whole thing has been handled (by both Colchester and Essex County councils, as well as Highways) is resulting in a badly coordinated operation, that will massively confuse residents and visitors alike.