"Christmas chaos comes to town centre"- Hunneman

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 21st Dec 2006

Pedestrians in Northbrook Street have got used to life without buses

Councillor Roger Hunneman, who represents Victoria ward on West Berkshire Council, has today outlined his concerns over the organisation of Newbury Town Centre, in addition to re-emphasising concerns over mixing buses and pedestrians in Northbrook Street.

He commented:

"I find it ironic that the West Berkshire Council slogan is 'do it once, do it right' - nothing in the organisation & re-organisation of Newbury Town Centre's traffic flow has been done only once, nor right! Perhaps the Tories should consider rebranding - 'do it as many times as possible'. The trial closure of Wharf Street has failed as traffic wardens are not empowered to deal with moving traffic offences. The signage is very complicated and is too lengthy to read as you drive past."

Councillor Hunneman continued:

"As for the dangerous mix of pedestrians and buses in Northbrook Street, there is obviously high public feeling against this situation continuing. I have been saying that buses and pedestrians simply don't go together safely for six months and I would like to urge shoppers in Newbury to be vigilant when walking down Northbrook Street. Even our own MP has nearly been run down - perhaps his party colleagues at West Berkshire Council would do well to take note of his experience."

Note to Editor:

See Richard Benyon MP's Westminster Diary at http://www.wbca.org.uk/page/3/233/ which says "I was nearly run over by a bus in Northbrook Street on Friday. Buses do not rev these days, they purr and this one crept up on me with the speed and stealth of a cheetah."