Knebworth Parish Plan
We have received over 30 responses to the recently
published Knebworth Parish Plan. This is a general response to many of the
questions raised but some cannot be covered here and may be covered by more
direct contact with the people concerned.
Chas Lowe's yard
The issue of whether Chas Lowe`s yard should be relocated provides a
conundrum. People don`t want it to be moved far from Knebworth. This means
moving a short distance either North, South, East or West. Others are
anxious to avoid coalescence with nearby towns or villages. Moving Lowe`s a
short distance away would inevitably contribute to coalescence. This is an
ongoing issue.
Post Office and Library
Residents are keen to keep the Post Office and Library. So make full use of
them. Don't purchase stamps at supermarkets, do borrow books – even if you
don't read them!
School runs
A very sensible suggestion is to ask St Thomas More Church if their car park
could be used during the “School Run” period. Why not ask Kevin Williams or
the parents association to approach the church to allow this small
concession? Over to you.
Parking!
By far the biggest response was in relation to car parking.
The issue of commuter parking is very much to the fore in
Knebworth. A study group was formed in March to look into parking and
related issues. The Knebworth Parking Initiative (KPI) Committee consists of
your elected representatives from the Parish Council, NHDC and HCC, together
with Simon Young (the NHDC Transport Policy Officer) and representatives
from both the Village Trust and the Parish Plan Team. The group is chaired
by District Councillor Jane Gray.
Some of the possible solutions relating to parking are
sensitive and it would be counterproductive at this stage to go into
details. We are obviously looking at the problems created by commuters
around the station but we are equally aware of the serious issues relating
to inadequate parking for local staff and shoppers. We are in active
discussion with both First Capital Connect and Herts Highways.
We understand that the “Knebworth Parish Plan” has been
very well received at County level and that the “Travel and Transport”
section has gained general approval from Herts Highways. This support
creates the real possibility of making funding and consultancy advice
available when needed.
This is, by its very nature, a long term and costly
project so I urge you to be patient. Be assured that full consultation,
probably in the form of a public meeting, will happen once solutions are
identified.
Waste Disposal
Finally, NHDC are introducing a new waste disposal scheme in October. I will
try to ensure that up-to-date information is included in the September
issue. |
