Archived decisions
APPENDIX 2
A3 Bus Priority Scheme
Section 1 - Widley to Purbrook
Accommodation Works Response Summary
Date: 31 March 2003
1.0 Background
In implementing the first section of the A3 Bus Priority scheme (Widley to Purbrook) accommodation works were carried out around local shops and Christ Church to help mitigate the loss of on-road parking and access. On completion of the works the businesses affected were asked to complete a customer service questionnaire. The response to the six questions asked, as shown below, were used to assess the general satisfaction of each business.
1. Were you informed prior to works commencing?
2. Did you receive a letter advising of works due to commence?
3. Did you have reasonable access to your property?
4. Were the workmen courteous?
5. Are you satisfied with the overall appearance of the works?
6. In your opinion, were the works completed in a reasonable manner?
Respondents were also given the opportunity to give their own comments on any aspect of the accommodation works.
2.0 Penjar Avenue Shops
On-road parking by customers of the Penjar Avenue shops could not be maintained with the installation of a south-bound bus lane along London Road. Consequently, additional off-road parking was created on a small area of highway land to the side of the shops. Significant improvements have also been made to pedestrian safety at the front of the shops and the general ambiance of the area. Of the three businesses, out of a possible four, that responded all answered the six questions with a yes. They also commented on the quick and tidy working practice of the workmen and described the `shop fronts as looking 100% better than before'.
3.0 Bushy Mead Shops
The accommodation works to the Bushy Mead shops are similar to those along Penjar Avenue. To construct a south-bound bus lane in front of the shops at Bushy Mead on-road parking by customers had to be prevented. This was achieved by creating off-road parking in front of the shops. Once again this was carried out in conjunction with improvements to the pedestrian safety and the general ambiance of the area. All the businesses that completed the customer service form answered the questions with a satisfied yes.
4.0 Landsdown Avenue Shops
The works to Landsdown Avenue shops were carried to improve the overall environment along the corridor rather than to accommodate the bus priority measures. Additional parking was provided to the private forecourt and improvements were made to the general ambiance of the area. Of the six businesses, out of a possible eight, that completed the customer service form all answered the six questions with a yes. Under the general comments the works were described by one shop keeper as an `excellent job'.
5.0 Christ Church
In order to retain parking lay-bys in front of the church, and to maintain a reasonable footpath, the church has dedicated part of the unused graveyard for highway use. To support the graveyard a new flint retaining wall was constructed.
6.0 Other Accommodation Works
Accommodation works have also been undertaken for the allotments, Purbrook Horticultural Society and local farmers. These were not included in the questionnaires but it is felt that similar positive responses would be provided if they had been.
7.0 Conclusion
All the accommodation works along the A3 corridor have been a success, both in satisfying the bus priority design and in improving the parking facilities, pedestrian safety and the general environment of the area. Every returned customer service questionnaire has been positive and shown that the businesses affected by this scheme are satisfied with the pre design consultation, construction and final appearance of all the works.
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