from the chairman...

Welcome to Newsletter 91, the latest in this now significant series. It is very reassuring to receive laudatory letters and comments from far and wide about its style, content and quality that we are constantly improving. Brian Smith, our well respected Councillor from the 90's writes such a letter and wishes to be remembered to everyone.

We must apologise to those that did not get their last newsletters early enough to be able to attend some of the events that we notified. Having said that and if you did miss it, this year's flypast at the Tribute was truly a spectacle and so very well attended, close to a thousand maybe. It seems to be becoming Croydon's greatest free show! Our thanks, once again to Mike Street who is so influential with the BBMF.

What a joy it is to pass through a newly resurfaced Hayes Lane without discomfort now (20 mph zone excepted). Residents close to the lane have been asked by the Council whether they want the speed humps restored. It will be an interesting outcome and we watch from the sidelines with interest; it is a strange place for us to be! Both Councillors and Council Officers think it unnecessary that the Group that serves its community with exceptional success should be consulted. We knew of course that the road was imminent for resurfacing; but we are made to look foolish when our members ask us about an important consultation that we don't know of.

We had a heated debate in Committee with the Councillors but they remain adamant that it is not an issue. Surely they devalue their position by taking on a role that is normally ours, much more of this and there won't be a need for a Residents' Association. We find the degree of exclusion on this very strange. We work closely and amicably on many issues but things seem to be changing. What motive could there be? They probably think that we will ask for more and yes, we will.

Pedestrian safety is an important issue that is overlooked by the very people who are asked most about it. The standard question at each public meeting is “What are you going to do about the stretches in Hayes Lane where there are no footways?” Standard answer: “It's a long standing problem; it will cost too much?”! KENDRA sees a solution that takes advantage of the removal. It will make walking the lane safer and it provides a measure of calming as well. No compulsory purchase is necessary and no Green Belt taken; just a simple solution. The cost will be considerably less than that budgeted for the return of the speed humps; it will provide better sight lines for those concealed entrances along the road and particularly at the Welcomes Road junction. It is a sad situation and more so when considering that the last major piece of traffic calming came only after major modification as a result of a suggestion made by KENDRA.

The Councillors have had the last word and have written saying that they disagree with us that there is any need for pedestrian safety measures in Hayes Lane, so be it. Our position and role in the community is perfectly clear; we defend it.

This issue is sufficiently close to our General Meeting on 28th October for you to come and vent your outrage at this opportunity missed. See you there!

Chris Baguley, Chairman

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