Great to report that there is finally some progress in opening up South Street for pedestrians and access to local shops. No doubt helped by recent pressure from Dorchester Transport Action Group and others.
Stewart Palmer, Chair of Dorchester Transport Action Group, recently wrote to our Member of Parliament, Edward Morello, and copied in Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, expressing great concern at the length of time it has taken to get South Street fully open after the tragic fire in December at The Gorge. His letter was picked up and reported in The Echo and Julie-Ann Booker gave an interview for us on Greatest Hits Radio.
It has now been reported in The Echo that work will be done to open up a walkway for pedestrian access on 11 April.
Stewart Palmer comments, “Whilst of course it is welcome news that South Street will finally be partially reopened on Friday 11th April, it will be four months since a fire closed what is probably the most important pedestrian thoroughfare in Dorchester.
The inconvenience caused to pedestrians, particularly those with mobility difficulties, and the economic damage that has been done to businesses should not be underestimated. This is not a time for self-congratulation by those involved, it is a time to review thoroughly what could have been done better and in a more timely fashion.
If Dorset Council as the highway authority needs more statutory powers to speed up these matters in the future, then it should pursue obtaining those with vigour”.
(Photo: Blocked pedestrian access in South St, Dorchester)