As most of you will be aware, Birse Civils are currently constructing a new bridge on Brook Lane as part of the on-going works for the A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass. As a result Brook Lane has been closed to traffic since March 22nd.
Up until now Birse have managed to maintain pedestrian access through the site along Brook Lane however out of neccessity the footpath will shortly be closed.
Dave Hill, Project Director for Birse Civils said "We understand the importance of this pedestrianised route, which is why we have kept it open for so long. Unfortunately works are now reaching a critical stage where we need to close the pedestrian route for a number of weeks.
"The pedestrian route is being closed due to safety reasons as we will be installing electric, telecom and water services over the coming weeks and completing the new road alignment."
The closure will commence on Tuesday 1st June and Birse plan to reopen the new pedestrian and vehicle route over the new bridge in August 2010.
Dave Hill added "We understand the inconvenience that this closure will cause, however the closure is essential to safeguard the safety of the public. We would like to thank everyone for your patience and co-operation."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
The current diversion would mean a walk along Brook Lane to the Lavender Tree roundabout, along Knutsford Road to the Kings Arms roundabout and then along London Road into Alderley Edge. I don't know how long this would take with 3 small children but I would envisage at least an hour and a half with much cagoling! He was unable to provide a sensible solution. I'm very disappointed to find that such a large company as Birse are paying little interest to the residents (and children) of Alderley Edge.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who will be greatly inconvenienced with this closure. As I say, I do not know who to approach to express my annoyance but am writing to our councillors and Wilmslow Express. I'm ever hopeful that the footpath will remain whilst the necessary building work takes place.
As an example, farmers can not deny people access to their land when public footpaths cross them, and I'm sorry but the old excuse of health and safety just doesn't wash any more. There is always an alternative. As suggestested above, utilize the new bridge or even put on a mini bus for local school children at certain times of the day. To simply close access and wash their hands in this day and age is not acceptable.
I myself don't have children, but I work in the logistics industry, and trust me, there is always a solution. I use the footpath at weekends as a route to get to Knutsford and beyond on my pushbike, and and it will be a pain to go the long way around but hey ho. But you can not expect parents to walk kids all the way up to Wilmslow and back, somebody at the council needs to take ownership and stop this now, but I'm guessing heads will be buried in the sand as normal and big business will get away with it again!!
Very unfair, I was hoping that we would be walking over the new bridge when they closed the footpath diversion.
This is inexcusible - when they first announced the closure of Brook Lane, Birse said that pedestrian access would remain. I think it is appalling that they can shut people off like this with no alternative. I would rather the bypass be deliverd to the original schedule than to disrupt so many people for so long just so they can boast how well they are doing.
Dave Hill
We are hopeful that the new footpath and road will be open across the new bridge by mid August.
Many Thanks!
Dave Hill - Project Director for Birse Civils