POTHOLES and DAMAGED PAVEMENTS CAN KILL – Call for Action

Potholes on roads and damaged pavements with trip hazards are becoming an increasingly major problem as Councils cut back on road maintenance.

Whether your main method of travel is as a pedestrian, cyclist, motor-cyclist or driver, this lack of maintenance and repair work affects us all. 
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

They not only cause damage but can result in serious injury and even death, and while we all continue to pay increasing taxes, our Councils are seemingly becoming less responsive in dealing with the problems.

On a major school route.

In Whitchurch there is barely a road that is unaffected, or a pavement that does not have loose paving slabs or cracks. And when a journey is made further afield the situation is the same.

• For the pedestrian and especially anyone with mobility impairments the lack of maintenance can result in trips or falls often requiring medical attention. 
• For the cyclist potholes as well as causing severe damage can result in loss of control, falls, and serious injury or worse, and can place increased strain on the health service. 
• For drivers and motor-cyclists serious damage can occur to vehicles ranging from burst tyres and wheel misalignment to steering and suspension damage.
  Loss of control can result in life-threatening situations.

Potholes kill and maim

Department for Transport figures show that EACH WEEK one cyclist dies or suffers life-threatening injuries as a result of the condition of our roads. And the trend is increasing.

ACTION IS NEEDED – NOW

Stop passing the buck
The legal responsibilities rest with Hampshire County Council and pressure needs to be put on them and the Councillors who are elected to represent us, to make our travel safe.

However, both Basingstoke & Deane and Whitchurch Town Council also have duties to support their residents. 

As Hampshire are failing and putting our safety at risk they too should be taking action and increase pressure on HCC.

No longer should they say "Its not us, it's Hampshire".
Passing the buck is no longer an option.

Let's all work TOGETHER

Call on the Councils to ACT NOW and allocate adequate resources – before someone you know is injured or killed.

_________________________

REPORTING LINKS

Hampshire County Council
Main HCC website
For reporting highway/road/pavement/cycle path/verge problems
Reporting Problems

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Main BDBC website

Test Valley Borough Council (for areas to west of Whitchurch)
Main TVBC website

Whitchurch Town Council
Contact details

A Film Powered by Bicycles

A full feature film powered by bicycles is planned for later this year in Andover.

 
As part of Andover Cycling Festival, a giant cinema screen will pop-up in Vigo Park on Saturday, 29th July to show a classic feature film.

 
Test Valley Borough Council say:

The film will be powered solely by energetic volunteers on static bikes, so come along with your sports gear and lots of energy if you fancy taking part.

Don't worry if you're not in the mood to pedal, as you can still bring a blanket and enjoy this the film in the open air.

 
They have also asked people to choose which film should be shown at the outdoor cinema, with the selected film soon to be announced.

Hazards of removing Cycle Parking

Last year Whitchurch Town Council voted to remove a number of cycle parking stands from the town centre. This followed representations from some businesses which believed they restricted the use of the pavements for their loading/unloading. Yes, they wanted to park vehicles on the pavements despite there being parking just yards away.

The irony
As previously covered here, there is much evidence that provision of cycle parking can enhance a town centre's economy yet in Whitchurch that reasoning was not accepted.
Ironically after the cycle parking was removed a number of businesses have closed including the main objectors.
See:
CYCLING BENEFITS

But taking cycle parking away does not remove its need.
Whitchurch is already popular with visiting cyclists who use the cafés and shops, yet they now have to lean their cycles against frontages, which naturally can cause annoyance to shopkeepers.
Worse, some cycles are now left lying on pavements as obstructions, causing trip and unnecessary dangers to pedestrians and are particularly hazardous to the less mobile and sight impaired.

Left lying on the pavement.

The Town Council is urged to follow the aims of both Basingstoke and Hampshire Councils in supporting active travel and to make adequate provision for both local and visiting cyclists, and to show that it supports bringing trade and tourism to the town.
Whitchurch needs Town Centre Cycle Parking.