I'm sure many people are dismayed, perhaps disgusted, at the poor state of the hard landscaping around the village, but particularly on London Road.
Perhaps the Parish Council and/or East Cheshire could clarify whether the deterioration of the roads and pavements to their present, sorry state is all part of the master plan and will be soon be rectified as part of a complete overhaul of the village street-scene?
If this is indeed the case, then why has this not been clearly communicated to residents, tenants, landlords & visitors? As in "bear with us; we know it's in a state but if you could just put up with it for a few more months...". Simultaneously, the councils' plans for the post-bypass high street could have been presented for discussion and comment.
Also, if we knew it was a temporary measure, the 'remedial' work carried out recently to the tree grids (which seem to have involved a bit of gravel and some tarmac thrown down in a haphazard fashion) might be tolerable. Without such an explanation, it is totally unacceptable.
However, if there isn't a plan in place, then some more serious questions need to be asked. Like how long are we expected to put up with the current situation which, frankly, is an embarrassment for a village that prides itself as a special place to live and visit. More detrimentally, it risks turning away inward investment in the form of shops, businesses and new residents, if a perception gathers pace that Alderley Edge is in decline. It certainly looks it.
I'm not a landscape architect or urban planner, but I can envisage a high street more like those enjoyed by many towns and villages on the continent and elsewhere in Britain - take a look at Buxton, Frodsham, parts of Macclesfield and Prestbury for example.
We should strive for, or rather demand, a environment that firmly puts the pedestrian first, without alienating visitors travelling by car. Natural materials (e.g. York stone paving, granite kerbs) of the highest quality should be used - because they last and can be easily re-used. And we should relentlessly pursue the utilities (that have so contributed to the current mess) where they have failed to fulfil their obligations to make good.
This a member post from Nicholas Lloyd.
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