Watermead.co.uk

1 Newville, Weedon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4NP
Tel: 01296 641423
Email: glynrmthomas@btinternet.com
Website: www.watermeadpc.org

23 September 2007

Mrs Anne James
Buckinghamshire County Council

By Email:

Dear Mrs James,

Proposed extension to Water Rider Bus Service

The Watermead Parish Council meeting on 20 September was attended by 47 Parishioners. During the Public Session all except one expressed their concerns regarding the proposed bus route extension to the North of the Village. 1 Parishioner attended and was infavour of the extension; he was a resident of Pintail Close.

The matter was on the Agenda, and discussed by Councillors during the Parish Council meeting. After consideration it was decided to request the following of Bucks County Council.

• An alternative route should be sought which does not involve turning a cul de sac into a through road.

• It is important that full consultation is undertaken. All householders to the north side of the roundabout on the link road (i.e. Ayleswater to Kestrel Way and surrounding properties) must be consulted.

• The option discussed at the Members’ Briefing, to leave the route as it is already, with no extension, should be included in the consultation.

The following points should be taken into consideration:

1. We were advised, at the Briefing, that the Council owned the land between Kingfisher and Kestrel Way. It appears that this might not be the case. We have already asked you to check the ownership of the strip of land between Kingfisher and Kestrel Way but so far you have not been able to confirm Title. (If this land is included in HM Land Registry Title Number BM 188000 it is owned by Watermead Villas Ltd).

We understand that Watermead Homes Ltd has been in touch with both Mrs V Letheren and the County Council regarding the gateway and field in Kestrel Way which was the originally proposed turning point for an extended bus route.

2. The environmental effect on roads which are used currently primarily by walkers, cyclists and children would be detrimental. Please see attached a traffic census undertaken by residents attached showing current traffic versus traffic including the proposed bus service.

Fully understanding that BCC is still at the feasibility stage and a safety audit is required, the Parish Council considers the feasibility study must include the following issues.

1. A balanced questionnaire must be postal and addressed by BCC to all Households to the North of the village from the Spine Road roundabout. The Parish Council should input the questionnaire. The results must be made available for public scrutiny, having regard to the relevant Data Protection Act regulations.

2. If need is established, BCC to provide options and rationale for preferred option.

The Parish Council feels that the current preferred option is flawed. The bus route through Lark Vale is using an existing road the proposed route through Kestrel Way is different, currently it is a vehicular cul de sac, opening it would create a change of use and impact negatively to the street scene and residents’ amenities. BCC ownership of the link is questionable and physical restrictions to a bus only would be essential.

Attached to this letter are various supporting documents for your information and consideration:

• Traffic survey.
• Report by Chartered Surveyors, Christopher Pallet which is self-explanatory. This survey was commissioned by a resident of Kingfisher who advises that he would be relatively unaffected by the proposed bus route. It is clear that in the opinion of the surveyor the bus route could have an adverse effect upon saleability and enjoyment of the properties along the route.

We look forward to receiving your earliest response. If you wish to discuss the matter, or would like to arrange a meeting with an appropriate group of residents and the Parish Council please contact the writer.

Whilst writing we would appreciate receiving a copy of the Minutes of the original Members’ Briefing since we understand that they contain inaccuracies and as we have not seen them we may wish to correct any errors.

Yours sincerely,

Glyn Thomas
Clerk to Watermead Parish Council

cc: Mrs V Letheren, Cabinet Member for Transport, Bucks CC, Mr D Lidington MP
The Editor, Bucks Herald, Cllrs Raj Khan & J Puddefoot, Bucks CC & AVDC

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