Anger over tram markings
RESIDENTS have accused planners behind the proposed extension to Nottingham's tram network of "riding roughshod" over their wishes.
A series of markings have appeared on roads and pavements along the proposed route for NET Phase Two – which plans to take trams to Beeston and Clifton – as part of preliminary works.
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The utility markings
It has led some residents living along the proposed routes to say the markings are premature as the Government has not yet approved the plans.
Carol Walls, 58, lives on Lower Road in Beeston, where some of the markings have appeared.
She said: "They are riding roughshod and I think it is cruel to take the tram through a quiet residential area."
Mrs Walls, whose lived in Lower Road for 38 years, added: "People will accuse me of being a NIMBY, but if they were going to have a tram passing just feet from their front window they'd feel the same way."
Another resident of Lower Road, Allison Dobbs, 46, said she was angry after noticing the markings.
"At first I was naturally suspicious and immediately thought it was something to do with the tram.
"It's come as a shock as there's been no consultation since the public inquiries."
It is estimated that by 2021, 11,800 new jobs will have been created as a result of NET Phase Two.
Beeston borough councillor Steve Barber said the preliminary works were designed to save time and money.
"If the scheme goes ahead, the contractors will know exactly where the underground services are and be able to take up less time," he said.
"The tram will be a conduit for investment, with many more business developments and jobs along the tram route."
NET Phase Two planners confirmed the markings were to do with the scheme.
A spokesperson said: "Work has been carried out at certain points along the proposed NET Phase Two route to identify where key utilities are.
"This was a non-intrusive survey to give a better understanding of what is where.
"A decision on whether or not the NET Phase Two proposals will go ahead is currently being considered by the Department for Transport. It is hoped they will make a decision within the next couple of months."
bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
11 Comments
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by Dave, Hucknall
Thursday, February 19 2009, 6:54PM
“If Daz is a bit upset by markings on the pavement, he could go and wash them off. After all, I seem to remember that "Daz washes whiter" Seriously folks, anyone who gets wound up about a few markings on a pavement must have a very warped sense of values.”
by Brian, Sherwood
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 9:03PM
“Reality check - every reliable survey taken along the proposed routes has shown a majority in favour of the tram. The objectors who are so vocal on here are the minority.”
by hysongreen, hysongreen
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 6:46PM
“when line 1 was in it's planning stage, do you think that the people of hysongreen were all in favour? Erica Beardsmore went to parliament and the government backed nottinghams plans as long as it was part of 6 tram lines linking all areas of the city in to the city centre, so why is it taking so long to build the rest of the tram lines is beyond me”
by CB, Nottingham
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 5:40PM
“With the "credit crunch", closures, redundancies and all otehr crises I'm glad to see that people are focussing here on the bigger picture. "Oh no, someone's marked the utilities out on the road. The world is coming to an end". My word, get lives people.”
by anon, nottm
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 4:49PM
“these markings have appeared all over the pavement on Southchurch Drive Clifton too, strangely enough a big part of the tram route!!!”