Plans to install a bike hangar in Carlisle Close have been put on hold following concerns raised by residents about safety and a lack of consultation.
The issue was brought before the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee on Thursday, where Jack Matthews, a resident of Carlisle Close, voiced strong objections to the proposed location. Mr. Matthews argued that the bike hangar would be unsafe due to limited visibility and that residents had not been properly consulted.
As you come up Carlisle Close, you're on a slight incline,
Matthews explained. With a cycle hangar installed there, the visibility to Manor Gate Road would be limited. Additionally, if you were turning left from Manor Gate Road onto Carlisle Close, the visibility would also be limited.
Principal Engineer Younes Hamade said that public notices had been published regarding the bike hangar. However, Councillor Ian George suggested delaying the implementation to meet with residents on site to discuss their concerns. The committee agreed to take the matter offline for further discussion.
Councillor Olly Wehring, Chair of the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee, acknowledged the common issue of residents feeling uninformed about local changes. He directed residents to the council's website, kingstonletstalk.co.uk, where they can register to receive updates on consultations.
Councillor Roger Hayes added that while the council is required to use certain methods of communication, they are not restricted to only using those methods and should embrace more modern communication methods.
The decision to pause the bike hangar installation reflects the committee's commitment to addressing resident concerns and ensuring that local projects are implemented safely and with proper community engagement.
