Protest over controversial relief road continues
PROTESTERS braving the elements greeted visitors to the second of the town’s consultation events detailing proposals for Stratford’s proposed South Western Relief Road today, Saturday.
The consultation, organised by CALA Homes at the Grande Plaza Hotel, saw the developer display its design ideas for the road and its bridge across the River Avon, with representatives on hand to answer people’s questions.
CALA presented two designs for the bridge, a two-arch construction and another called a steel box girder bridge, along with construction options for a viaduct structure leading up to the river crossing.
Members of Stratford Residents Action Group (SRAG) were also present in a neighbouring hotel suite, keen to present their arguments against the controversial plans.
Armed with banners, around 30 protesters were also joined by motoring journalist Quentin Willson and Conservative Councillor Molly Giles, who has been emphatic about heropposition to the plans this week.
Speaking on behalf of SRAG, Marion Homer said: “During the two days at the pre-consultation both our room and CALA’s room were very very busy. Most people were keen to talk to us once they realised the magnitude of this road and the impact it will have on the whole town.
“As residents studied the plans and maps it became clear to them that positioning this road as a bypass or relief road is very misleading. This road is not designed to make our existing traffic problems better - it will only serve to make them worse. And what makes that such a travesty is that SDC are allowing CALA to destroy a beautiful riverside location - for no benefit whatsoever.
“The conversations we were having reflected a growing realisation amongst the town’s people that Stratford needs a properly thought through traffic solution, not a developer-led road driven by commercial self interest.”
The Herald is interested in hearing residents’ views on the plans put forward by CALA so please get in contact by emailing news@stratford-herald.com.
Full reaction and coverage in Thursday’s Herald.
