A temporary problem for drivers getting out of the St Andrews Street South car park, Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday has highlighted the importance of starting immediate work on ways to prevent such problems occurring during any construction on the Cattle Market site.
A water main is being moved to allow the cinema to be built and this has meant closing Kings Road for some time. On Saturday there was a short period when people had difficulty leaving the car park due to traffic congestion in Risbygate Street and cars trying to get in to the car park through the same route. The problem was nothing to do with the amount of spaces - there were plenty within the car park. The situation wasn't helped by the fact that we did not put up sufficient signs within the car park to help drivers find the alternative exit on to St Andrews Street South.
The need to put up sufficient signs and plenty of advance communication in a variety of ways so drivers are aware of potential problems before hitting them will be one of the main topics for the newly-formed Impact Management Strategy group to consider. This group, which will include representatives from St Edmundsbury, local traders, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and others with a stake in the smooth running of the town, will be starting work soon on plans to minimise disruption during any Cattle Market development. Lessons learned from the construction of the cinema, along with the major development work currently going on in Cambridge, will all help the Impact Management Strategy group to make sure town centre traders, shoppers and residents do not suffer.
ENDS
ISSUED BY MARIANNE HULLAND, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757034. marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
