From my friend Fiona :- So, my response to the article on pavement widening at the riverside entrance to Annan has not been published in this weeks paper. One in agreement with the article has been though. Hmmmmmm! As a user of the footpath and a real person of Annan I think my opinion very much counts....so here it is: Im keen to respond to comments in the article headed Pavement widening proves gateway to potholes clash. Graeme Wellburn is quoted as saying Ive not spoken to anyone whos said thats going to be a benefit to Annan. Then Id be surprised if hed spoken to any users of this pavement. Living in River Park, this is my only route into town and theres rarely a day I dont walk it at least twice, very often more. In most cases I have my 4 year old and 2 year old with me. This has always been traumatic due to the narrowness of the pavement, its appalling condition and the speed at which traffic passes us. I used a double pushchair for far longer than was appropriate for my daughter in order to keep her safe. I now have confidence that she knows not to step into the road, but an ill-timed stumble on the rough surface while a lorry or bus hurtles past doesnt bear thinking about. This could easily happen to anyone and there are many elderly pedestrians who are also particularly vulnerable. I understand this is also nerve-racking for passing drivers. The width of the pavement has no relation to how many people you see walking down there with triple buggies but to the space created between passing vehicles and those using the footpath. Incidentally my double pushchair had to be one where my children sat one in front of the other as a side-by-side one would not previously have fitted along the path at all. Though Ive often hoped the speed limit would be reduced, I had never dreamed that the footpath would be widened. I am ecstatic and very very grateful that the work is actually being carried out. Already, with the roadworks still ongoing, the walk into town is greatly improved. I know my neighbours are in agreement with me and Id reckon those who live in Milnfield and along the Brydekirk road will be too. There are also many people who use the route to access the river walks and to visit the cemetery and the rugby ground and to walk their dogs. For the record, we are all real people of Annan and Mr Wellburn is himself thinking he knows what the people of Annan want. The big fancy pavement he refers to is in fact tarmac in the main, with plain paving slabs over the bridge. Functional. At the end of the 5th week into a 6 week project is also not the time for constructive complaint. Im sure opportunity had arisen during the planning stages of this project. On a final note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those working on the project. In particular those on the ground who have made it as easy as possible for us to navigate round the roadworks in the meantime. So when youre next held up at the traffic lights for a minute or so, give a thought as to how much safer (aswell as welcoming) this is making it for all pedestrians entering our town, including myself, my young children and future generations of Annanites. Thanks. Fiona Robson.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:31:33 +0000
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