Junction works come under fire

Works to improve a major junction in Holbeach have come under fire.

Town residents have taken to social media to express annoyance that the works are causing traffic delays, while also complaining that planters have been removed and about the look of new railings being installed.
It’s also been revealed that a new lane that a meeting of Holbeach Parish Council heard would be created, will not now be implemented as Lincolnshire County Council says there’s insufficient funding for it.
The same meeting was told by Coun Tracey Carter the work would improve traffic flow by “15 per cent”.
Richard Fenwick, head of highways asset and local management services, said: “As part of the wider junction refurbishment, we’re currently in the process of replacing the railings at Market Hill crossroads as the current ones don’t allow for proper visibility between vehicles and pedestrians.
“We’ve also had to remove the planters since they can also inhibit pedestrian visibility.
“So far, we’ve replaced the barriers from the High Street to Park Road and will be replacing the remaining sections around the junction in the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have the funding to widen the road here and add an extra lane, but we’re working on altering the road markings to help limit instances of right-turning vehicles from Park Road blocking other vehicles.
“Doing this should allow additional space so vehicles wanting to proceed ahead or turn left can pass if the right-turning vehicle is positioned correctly.”
Park Road has been closed off as a result of the work which the county council say is due to site welfare facilities having to go there.
Mr Fenwick said the traffic delays were partly due to National Grid works taking place close by.
“Although we’re working closely with all stakeholders to reduce disruption and timeframes, there will inevitably be some effects on people in the area,” he continued.
“We’ve worked hard to arrange the works so a significant amount is during the school holidays and to get as much of the National Grid works at the High Street and Boston Road South junction completed at the same time so they don’t need to return with further traffic management.
“We will continue assessing all of the works to find other ways of reducing disruption to local residents.”
District councillor Sophie Hutchinson has raised concerns with the county council and said: “Why were we not informed they were replacing the railings and, if the planters were a visibility issue, why was permission given for them in the first place?
“Are they going to be returned as they were purchased by Holbeach In Bloom?”
Graham Rudkin has launched a petition called: “Bring back our town centre railings.”
“Holbeach Market Hill railing need to return,” the petition signed by 190 states. “The character of the town centre is affected.”
lMeanwhile the county council says it’s still looking at implementing a 20mph zone in Holbeach and traffic calming initiatives.
“Please rest assured that we will thoroughly consult and engage with local people before any changes are made to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say,” said Coun Richard Davies, executive member for Highways. “We also recommend that people get in touch with their local county councillor to share their views since we’re working in partnership with them to develop any planned changes.”