It does not mean we oppose development
EDITOR – I have enjoyed reading the views of Sleaford and District Civic Trust (Standard, January 25) and Russ Mathieson (Standard, February 1), on development plans for Sleaford.
Both the trust and Mr Mathieson, like many residents of our town, find it difficult to see the reasoning behind the decision to close Southgate level crossing.
Supporters of the proposal seem to dismiss those of us opposed to the level crossing’s closures as being anti any development of the town and failing to recognise the traffic problems caused by the crossing.
Those of us who have lived in the town for some years are well aware that the level crossing can be a major frustration for motorists but to close it and then redirect all traffic via the proposed new link road to join Boston Road traffic will not only add to the distance travelled by most motorists south of the crossing but also merely move the traffic congestion problem to another part of the town.
I am not a big fan of huge supermarkets that can suck the life out of the commercial heart of small towns like Sleaford but, that said, I would support any moves to regenerate the southern end of the town centre.
However, I cannot see how the town or its residents would benefit from closure of the crossing. Surely the best option would be to retain the crossing when the link road is built to give motorists a choice.
As Mr Mathieson points out, if the crossing were to be closed and replaced by a footbridge, anyone who is disabled or infirm, or those with pushchairs, living south of the railway line would find it more difficult to get into town.
M WATTS
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 9 C to 24 C
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