Southgate pedestrian hazards to be addressed

4.10.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Feb 2008

Andy inspects the problematic puddles forming at the crossing

City centre Councillor Andrew Furse (Liberal Democrat, Kingsmead) has been seeking solutions to some of the pedestrian access problems around the Southgate and railway station area.

Andy looks at the site for a hoped new temporary crossing

Councillor Furse met with the Southgate developer Multi and Council officers to suggest a number of short, medium and longer term solutions which need to be implemented to make access easier for pedestrians. He said, "At the moment, pedestrian access around the Southgate building site can be hazardous and circuitous - particularly around Dorchester Street and Manvers Street.

"The street layout around this location needs to be rethought - the redevelopment will be going on for three more years, so it will be worth sorting this out now. One particular issue, on which I was glad to get agreement, was the need for a pedestrian crossing in Dorchester Street close to the railway station. The Council and Multi agreed to install the crossing now, rather than later in the development. This should make it easier to get around and will also be of benefit to the three businesses which are 'stranded' on the edge of the site.

"Also agreed was the re-positioning of the crossing unit outside the Royal Hotel."

Some of the other issues Councillor Furse raised are:

-Obstacles to pedestrians on the pavements (such as positions of rubbish bins and sandbags);

-Alterations needed to pedestrian crossings (such as installation of call buttons);

-Pooling of rainwater on footpaths and at pedestrian crossings;

-Widening and reinstatement of footpaths in key areas (such as outside the station between the bollards and the cobbled area);

-Re-installation of 20 MPH zones in what is a pedestrian priority area.