Clock House Focus

6.40.19pm GMT Mon 13th Nov 2006

News from Liberal Democrat councillors Ben Abbotts and Reg Adams

Marlow Road Let Down, Say LibDems

LibDem Cllrs Reg Adams and Ben Abbotts believe Marlow Road residents have been let down by Bromley Council after the signal failure of unwanted, expensive and unsuccessful traffic calming measures. The kerb build-outs, installed in Spring 2004, have failed to cut down on speeding and ratrunning problems. Worse still, they have created new problems, as 300 residents pointed out for the "review" of the scheme.

Finally, in late June, Cllr Colin Smith (the Conservative Environment Portfolio Holder) announced his decision based on this review. Basically, no changes apart from a couple of speedadvisory panels and blocking off parking spaces near the kerb build-outs. 'At the beginning of this charade, back in 2003, the majority of residents voted in favour of road-cushions or roadhumps as the best way of dealing with a very real road safety

issue. What did they get? Kerb build-outs. Now the Tories say there is no money to put things right. The Conservatives made a mistake and it is residents who are paying the price" said Reg.

Beckenham Road overdevelopment

A rash of property developments has broken out in this area!

Hermes House is being converted from an office block into about 20 flats. At No.181 (currently a bath showroom), Goodview's plans for 40 flats were originally rejected, but this decision was overturned on appeal to the National Planning Inspectorate.

Just across the road, Oracle Homes has had two applications turned down for more than 50 flats on the site of the pub/petrol station. At the hearings, Cllr Adams criticised the proposed

high density, lack of amenity space and unattractive boxlike design. Oracle has now engaged new architects to come up with a new design, aimed at improving the general appearance of the area, as well as providing decent and affordable housing.

Reporting Back: Cllrs' Casework

Reg and Ben help hundreds of Clock House residents every year. Here are some of the issues we have been tackling recently.

Cllr Adams has been acting on behalf of residents suffering from heavy lorries parking overnight on various residential roads. "Bromley has a total ban on overnight parking

of vehicles above 5 tonnes GVW. Lorry drivers have no excuse for flouting this law because

it is clearly shown on road-signs. I would be glad to hear of any examples of this improper parking, so we can take action" said Reg.

Cllr Abbotts has again criticised standards of cleanliness at Clock House Railway Station, saying the litter collection is 'inadequate'. He has raised complaints with station managers and is monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, following LibDem campaigning earlier this year, Ben welcomed the added cycle ranks at the station, together with a shelter for passengers on the down-line.

But anti-pigeon measures, especially under the railway bridges on Elmers End Road, Beckenham Road and Blakeney Road are totally inadequate. Ben is pressing the railway authorities to clean up their act.

Urgent action is needed at the derelict site of the former builders at the end of Clock House Road. Cllr Abbotts has secured meetings between the Council and the site owners.