Question 1. What do think is good about the area?
It serves the local community with most shops and services so that they do not have to go further afield.
Question 2. What do you think is less good about the area?
- It’s a shame Green Lanes is a main thoroughfare with so much traffic.
Question 3. What would you like to see to improve the area?
I’m sure something could be done to slow speed down as the cars drive through the shopping centre. This would make it more conducive to certain activities, such as a sitting/coffee area around The Triangle and further along Alderman’s Hill at the bottom of Old Park Road.
Benches to sit and have a chat, more trees and greenery to make it cooler in the summer and more attractive. This would help combat air pollution. I’d also like to see some smaller specialist shops like butchers and fishmongers.
Question 4a. Specific aspects – traffic
There’s too much traffic travelling too fast. I doubt the number of cars can be reduced but the speed could be controlled and reduced. I don’t drive, which is unusual in this day and age, and I have seen some terrible drivers who give no thought to pedestrians – I have been half way across zebra crossings and drivers have zoomed by just in front of me – very scary. That is not to say all drivers are alike, some are very thoughtful and courteous. Somehow this must be encouraged
Question 4b. Specific aspects – parking
As I don’t drive, I’ve no comment except that I think parking should be charged for in supermarkets.
Question 4c. Specific aspects – clutter
As a pedestrian I find railings very galling – why can’t I cross a road where I want to?
Vehicle Activated Signs are useless – they keep flashing on and off as they are totally ignored by drivers who have become used to them and no longer notice them. These just add to clutter, are unsightly and expensive.
Question 4d. Specific aspects – look of the shops/architecture
Some shops look shabby and out of place. Perhaps some help could be given by the Council to create an overall image to the shopping community.
Question 4e. Specific aspacts – type and range of shops
As mentioned earlier, I would like to see the ‘comeback’ of specialist shops, e.g. butchers. It’s a shame our one small bookshop had to close. How about a bookshop with combined teashop facilities?
Question 4f. Specific aspects – amount and use of pavement space
If traffic were moving at a reasonable pace, we could have benches and flower pots on pavements to make it attractive for people to meet and chat.
Question 4g. Specific aspects – the Triangle public space
Definitely a place which requires vast improvement and could be the hub of the shopping centre. There’s too much clutter. If cleared, it could be a nice seating area with tea/coffee facilities – as long as something could be done about the traffic. What about some green screening?
Question 4h. Specific aspects – Greenery
Absolutely!
Any other comments
This is an area of great potential which, if thought out properly, could bring more prosperity to the community.