More Carswell Concerns
John D Carswell - March 2005
Burgh BeautifuI - I joined the Steering Group because I thought
Linlithgow had room for improvement to its looks. But I am finding it very
frustrating: there seem to be so many hurdles to getting anything done and it is
not for want of trying! Previous to the advent of Burgh Beautiful, there seems,
in my view, to have been little creative work in recent years and little
maintenance to what already existed. But in the meantime, everybody can make
their own contribution by planting a tree in their garden and/or clearing up the
litter as they find it!
Preston Road - In spite of thousands of pounds having been spent on
'traffic calming', I find it anything but restful to use the road, whether
walking or driving. Inconsiderate stopping and parking of parents' cars
continues to create a safety hazard. Would the introduction of mini-roundabouts
at the ends of Priory Road and Braehead Road and lots of double yellow lines be
an answer?
Schools - West Lothian Council continues to 'plan' the future shape of
Linlithgow through development control based on a shortage of school places.
This is surely a short-sighted approach which can only lead to dereliction,
frustration and stagnation! All credit to the Civic Trust in its attempts to
persuade the Council to take a more positive approach!
West Port - I could never agree with the general view of the Civic
Trust some years ago that traffic lights be put up at the West Port. However, I
just wish that one or two adjustments could be made to the new roundabout.
McCarthy & Stone Development, Blackness Road - I know that it is
out of step with the Trust's thinking, but I continue to complain about the
planning approval for the massive sheltered housing block on Blackness Road. The
tower crane now dominating the sky-line should certainly help everyone
understand how the semi-rural landscape will be destroyed for ever!
Retail Park - Again, with due respect to the Trust, the Stockbridge
site certainly requires development and a retail park I think would be useful.
The shops we have at present cannot provide everything and therefore one has to
travel further afield. I believe that, if we can keep shoppers in the town, then
the existing shops will benefit. (Though I do acknowledge that one or two may
suffer.) The idea of a retail park does not conjure up good design but if the
standard of the Sainburys store design can be repeated, plus landscaping of the
burn, I would be happy.
John D Carswell - March 2005
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The opinions expressed here are those of the relevant authors and do not
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