On 25/06/07, clive6799 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > You all need to make the most of visits to Stratford as I said a few > weeks back the tranquillity of the Bancroft Basin area is about to > disappear when the footbridge is replaced with a modern monstrosity > and many of the trees in Bancroft Gardens and in the recreation > ground on the opposite bank of the river are felled as part of a > major redesign of the area. See > http://www.stratford.gov.uk/publicaccess/framepages/pub.aspx? > ref=07/01319/FUL > > The next phase is to build a Brindley Place style waterside bar area > by the old Western Road Wharf end of town - that will at least > improve it and make access tot the station from the towpath side > easier. See http://www.worldclassstratford.net/urbandesign.php
I'd like to hear from locals who have followed this plan more attentively than I. The fact is, there isn't any tranquility in Bancroft Basin; for that you'd moor on the river where you're away from the crowds. But the plan doesn't mean the felling of any trees in the Rec as far as I can see. Steve I think that the plan showing the Rec has a number of trees shown in red which are to be removed. The resolution available on the site is very poor and has been complained about by others and me. Indeed, it seems to me the only minus for boaters is the possible loss of moorings to the proposed ferry. Oh, and the bridge of course... Now I understand the sentimental attachment we all have to that, seeing as how the Stratford restoration represents what it does in contemporary waterways history. But it was erected as the best that could be done at a time when no-one wanted to spend any money on the cut. Maybe BUT it was paid for and constructed and erected by volunteers giving their own time and money - surely that justifies its retention (especially as it fits its purpose and has done for nearly 50 years) Apart from the fact that it's past its sell-by date Aren't we all if we are over 44 years old like this bridge- euthanasia for bridges as well? , and unsuited for purpose How so? It lets you cross the water below - isn't that what bridges in such locations do? Just because it isn't a gongoozellers viewing platform so what? , always overcrowded and frankly a bit tatty Looks Ok to me does it need a repaint? , the new one is obviously going to be a much wider It's 2.5 metres wide per the plans - the current one is 2.3 metres - 92% of the replacement - not MUCH wider! And because it is so much longer it will create a much longer narrow corridor/funnel for you to get across with your windlass to work both sides of the lock. structure, a viewing platform as much as a bridge. Surely we could find a new location for the old bridge and throw our weight behind ensuring the new one's not a monstrosity? Somebody please convince me I should be against this new Stratford development. I've tried. Clive Looking at the plans, they seem to me to represent a profound improvement. Am I just not seeing something? Steve
