END THE METRO MAYHEM

The decision to write this blog has it’s origins in a campaign I am currently waging against Nexus and South Tyneside Council. Since the establishment of a Metro station at East Boldon, the area within a ¼ mile radius has become a “park and ride” region for commuters. The current car park provided by Nexus cannot cope, resulting in residential side streets being strewn with abandoned cars and safety issues coming to the fore in that people can no longer cross the roads safely due to cars parked on pavements etc. On a retail level, this congestion has seriously curtailed commercial trade; if people cannot park to access their local shops they will spend their money elsewhere. My own shop, Longstaffs Deli, is located about three hundred yards from the Station, and has seen its turn over halved in the last three years.

Despite promises from Nexus, no car park extension has materialised, and despite obvious congestion problems, no help has been received from South Tyneside Council. Clearly, the time has arrived for residents to take matters into their own hands and reclaim their streets. Two months ago I devised a strategy that if implemented, I felt would alleviate the problems faced by East Boldon.

RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS

The introduction of residential parking schemes in those streets directly surrounding the Metro station would relieve the congestion pressure faced by local residents.

INCREASED USE OF DOUBLE YELLOW LINES

By using double yellow lines on both sides of the roads adjacent to the crossing, the safety issues of banked up traffic and safely crossing the road would be alleviated.

LIMITED PARKING TIMES IN AREAS DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO SHOPS

By restricting waiting times to i.e. 2 hours in these areas, parking spaces will be made available to those who wish to use local shops, businesses and amenities. This will ensure the viability of local commerce and protect employment and council revenue.

METRO STATION CAR PARK EXTENSION

The degree of the current parking area provided by Nexus must be extended to incorporate both current and projected commuter use.

However, this final element has drawbacks

¨ Land must be purchased/acquired to accommodate extension

¨ People must be forced to use it

¨ The correct number of new spaces must be provided

However, what is clear is that the problems being experienced by East Boldon are not unique. A trawl of the internet and local press archives reveals that the councils through out the region are being forced to confront Metro induced traffic congestion in residential areas. This highlights two very important and pertinent issues. Firstly, that Nexus has failed over the last ten years to acknowledge its social responsibilities to the areas where it builds its stations. It is in effect operating a policy of “build and abandon”. Secondly, councils and local authorities are using tax payer’s money to clean the mess up.

I believe that a regional debate on the effects of Metro expansion is long overdue. Its current network now covers Newcastle Airport to the City of Sunderland, with further expansion planned. That equates to a lot of communities whose nature, individuality and character will be irreversibly altered. It also means that a lot of money will have to be spent to cater for Nexus lack of community responsibility.

The local regional press have given this issue a lot of coverage, and the matter has been placed before the Community area Forum for Boldon Cleadon and Whitburn for debate at its meeting on 29^th March, when a Nexus planning official will be present. This should be a very entertaining night as Nexus have been very “economical” with the truth. They have submitted no planning application for the extension, they have problems purchasing the land (and have no powers to compulsory purchase) and have neither the political of financial will to see the matter through. THERE WILL BE NO CAR PARK THIS DECADE.

This just about brings this introduction to an end. However, becoming involved in such an issue does lead to a degree of political “awakening”. My involvement with local councillors on the Metro issue has revealed a very simple fact; some councillors are very committed, whilst others basically have no intention or personal obligation to discharge their duties in a way that the public expects. This council is also a closed shop of Labour cohorts and has no effective voice of opposition. Northern Uproar will fill this gap. I won’t slander and I won’t lie; I will tell the truth and probably be damned for it. But as Alexander Jablokov said “The road to truth is long, and lined the entire way with annoying bastards.” So post your comments and have your say, but be opened minded enough to take on board what is said.