Death of a Cul-De-Sac

Residents of Greendale Road in Atherstone are up in arms over what they describe as the ‘death’ of their former quiet street.

David Wilson Homes are developing a site known as ‘Woodlands’ off Greendale Road and the residents are complaining that the constant flow of heavy trucks to and from the site is ruining their lives.

Mr Harry Arnold is also questioning the manner in which Borough Council Officials have allegedly ridden roughshod over the wishes of local people.

Speaking exclusively to The Recorder he said,

It seems to us that the planning committee have no real teeth so far as Atherstone is concerned. The make up by area of elected councillors means that people who have no interest in the town or indeed do not really know the area are voting against the wishes of local people. When these plans were first announced we took the correct route and complained to our local councillors. They merely paid lip service to our views. The real decisions in these matters is taken by the planning officers. The planning committee to my mind merely do as they are told by officials. None of these officials to my knowledge even live within the borough.

Fred Hogg another resident referred to a written complaint he made to the planners concerning the movement of the heavy lorries. “I did in fact receive a reply to my complaint” he said, “but it was just a whitewash. The Borough Site Investigation Officer apologised for the inconvenience but said that at present no further action was required.” His wife, Joan added, “It’s like living in the middle of the M1.”

The residents did present a 100 name signed petition at the time that planning permission was granted objecting to the proposed use of their cul de sac as the main entrance to the site.

Mr Arnold further added,

We have monitored as many as one truck every 2.4 minutes. This is ludicrous when there is a perfectly adequate alternative access point to the site on South St. However the planners rejected this idea out of hand, quoting safety issues. Throughout this entire process the residents have had nothing but total disregard from The Council, in fact I would accuse them of showing a complete lack of respect for our legitimate concerns.

A spokesperson for the Council pointed out that two of the Councillors involved in planning (Cllr. Powell and Cllr.Freer) do live within the Borough. Adding that the question of council staff living within the borough “Is not an issue , is it ?”