Concerns about Castle Bromwich road improvement project

NEW LAYOUT: The two-phase project got underway last October and was
completed a couple of months ago.

RESIDENTS have criticised a £1.3million improvement scheme, claiming that it is “causing chaos” in the centre of Castle Bromwich.
Work was recently completed on the Hurst Lane Place Project, which has seen a raft of changes, including a new crossing and a couple of raised mini roundabouts.
Solihull Council has said the scheme will make the shopping area safer for pedestrians and stop speeding vehicles on the Chester Road.
But the work, which was started in October last year, has drawn a lot of criticism from motorists, who claim that the changes to the road layout have only increased queues around the Morrisons supermarket.
After the local authority invited people’s comments, many residents took to Facebook to register their concerns.
Gary Smith said: “Shocking planning from people who obviously never use this stretch of road. I’ve changed my route to work now because of this.”
Graham Gorton had similar reservations, describing the changes as “idiocy”.
“The narrowing of a major road like this is causing chaos at peak times. Agree that pedestrian safety was a concern but there are better solutions than this. What exactly is the use of a 30 foot wide pavement?”
Another resident, Cherryl Jones, said the scheme needed to be reviewed.
“Congestion combined with poor lines of sight for drivers approaching the roundabouts from any direction make this section of road a minefield.
“Accidents will happen and it won’t look so ‘pretty’ then.”
A separate part of the scheme, which saw the creation of more parking spaces, has been rather better received – following many years of complaints that there weren’t enough bays available for shoppers.
Solihull Council has insisted the changes had been introduced following consultation with residents and said that previously some pedestrians were having to cross three lanes of traffic unaided.
Councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “As a councillor and resident of Castle Bromwich I am really pleased with what the Hurst Lane Project has achieved.
“The area has become safer for pedestrians and motorists alike and it has been great to see local people being able to get safely to and from the shops without danger.”
To have your say on the changes, complete the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/hurstlaneplace

• From the latest edition of Other Side of Solihull, you can read the complete issue here.