New Theatre & Walkbridge

[Will]

I've been following this story, and it seems in-spite of increasing opposition, the powers at be, are showing no signs of backing down. The 'World Class Stratford' project seems to becoming increasingly under fire.

[Sandman]

Heh, tell me about it. World class Stratford is a joke, look at the new office block that's been built by the leisure center, which is now affectionately known by locals as 'Stratford Prison'.

[Will]

There's a news article available about this now.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/...re/4797635.stm

[Will]

Well I saw the design proposals for the bridge this morning. One of them looks no better then the walkways you see spanning motorways, and at least two of them clash hidiously with surrounding area. There are two which are in fact quite nice designs, one even has a few natural materials such as wood.

They all have one thing in common though, they all utterly destroy the scenic view many of us know and love. I really must get in touch with James Phillpotts and see if he and Stratford Voice can make use of this forum.

[Will]

I've just made good on that; just had a very interesting conversation with James Phillpotts regarding this issue. I won't go into details though, as I'm hoping he will be able to do so himself before long. His response to the idea of the site was very encouraging, and I think we may be able to help each other out.

I won't say any more then that until he gets back to me next Tuesday.

I thinks it's awful that they could even consider destroying such a wonderful stretch of the river. They have three bridges going across the river already, why do they need another one?

It will be one of the biggest mistakes ever, and they won't be able to reverse it. I really hope they see sense, and don't destroy this beautiful stretch of river.

[Madhatter]

I saw this earlier on narrowboatworld.com They seem to be asking which design, and aren't asking if it's wanted in the first place. All of those designs are awfull anyway, whats wrong with a traditional stone or brick bridge. Although I suppose that would create a wall where as a metal bridge is more transparent because it's less solid.
Consultation plans to knock theatres down, 2 million pounds on a bridge, county council really have lost the plot now, and yet again it's south county getting the money. Why don't they spend it on pedestrianizing the town centre here, we're being choked by cars.

[Will]

I remember years ago, they had grand schemes to pedestrianise Bridge street, it never materialised though. It seems a safe assumption that the real reason for the bridge is for better access to the car park. I've also head people speculating that all the open land on that opposite side of the river, would make great retail and housing land. Not only would we lose the beauty of the river, we'd lose all that open green land too. I hope at least it's just speculation.

[Reggie]

Isn't it wonderful to see people finally taking a stand against their councils! For too long now we've let them deteriorate out lovely town with one crackpot scheme after another.

This bridge and any subsequent building work following on from it, will further destroy the natual beauty of our town.

[Will]

For people interested, here's a link where you can make your comment about the bridge, to Warwickshire Council.

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stratfordbridge

And here is the email address to write to directly.

stratfordbridge@warwickshire.gov.uk