Last chance to OBJECT?

Fast approaching is the original deadline of Monday 23rd Aug to object to the parking scheme.

If you haven't already done so send an email (jeffrey.burton@nottscc.gov.uk) or drop a letter into Trent Bridge House on Fox Road in the corner of the Cricket ground.

People in the scheme area received a letter and plan summarising the scheme on 21st July 2010 (I will post it at the bottom of the blog). I don't know if people in the adjoining areas to the scheme received the same letter I have a feeling that may not have happened. If that is so you will not have had time to understand the implications for your part of Lady Bay. 

If on the other hand you have only just come back from holiday, or you feel the few weeks we have had to understand the implications for parking in Lady Bay, or what the scheme is all about, is not enough time email the man responsible for collating all responses Jeffrey Burton (jeffrey.burton@nottscc.gov.uk) and say so.

I think an extension of the response time giving people a chance to understand the implications, look at alternatives and to organise a public meeting to see what is possible or affordable, is something I certainly would like to see.
 
I reproduce below with kind permission a response from two Lady Bay residents Allan and Sue saying  just that.

Dear Jeffrey

Further to my recent email objecting to the above scheme, the deadline for replies is fast approaching. We are concerned in case the scheme should go ahead with only a minority of residents responding and with, therefore insufficient consultation.

There has been no public meeting organised to discuss the pros and cons with residents, it is the holiday season and from talking to a number of people, they had not fully read the details of the scheme and had not thought through the possible consequences.

We understand that you only had a relatively small response to the initial survey and that people didn't have the detail of the scheme when they 'voted' in favour. They may now have a different view.

Can you, therefore, please advise me how many responses you have had to date? Also, can you please advise on what basis you intend to make the decision? Will you go by a simple majority, one way or the other, based on the number of responses for or against? Alternatively, will you be assuming that those who do not bother to respond are in favour and that the scheme will go ahead unless you receive a large number of objections?

Our view is that you need to obtain the views of at least 50% of the Lady Bay residents affected before making your decision. In talking to people, we do not believe that the majority would be in favour once they understand the implications. If you have not received this level of response, we would request an extension to the consultation period to allow the local community to organise more thorough discussion and debate on this issue.

Alan and Susan 

Thanks very much to Alan and Sue for raising these points, if you feel the same, email Jeffrey Burton (jeffrey.burton@nottscc.gov.uk) and ask the same questions.

 PS

I did a quick visit to some of the shops on Trent Boulevard today asking their opinion of the scheme and if they would put a poster up. All shops visited were not in favour of the scheme, in fact most believe it could have a very detrimental effect on their business.

If like me you feel strongly about the imposition of a residents parking scheme, please download a poster and put it in your window, for your neighbours without the internet pop one through their door. 

I don't think the proposals will go away just yet and there may be more emailing and letter writing to come.