BRIAN Tilley seemed surprised that there were only a few objections to the planning application for the proposed new bus station – considering there were more than 10,000 objections to it being moved from its present site. ( Courant, August 28).
I believe Tony Brookes’ letter in the same edition sums up the feeling of those objectors.
The council chose to ignore those who use the excellent bus services to and through Hexham.
As part of the ‘consultation process’ we were advised the redevelopment of the bus station in its current location was ‘not an option’ because of space restrictions and access – all of which Dysart seem to have overcome in their plans for this area.
Is it any wonder there is a sense of disillusionment with ‘due process’?
Hexham Civic Society, who had reservations about the Loosing Hill site for a bus station, notes that the planning application has changed from that which was presented at the Beaumont Hotel for information to the public. That does not come as a surprise.
As a former transport planning officer, I trust Tony Brookes when he says that the new bus station is in the wrong place for a town like Hexham.
The objections were for the bus station’s location not what the new one was going to look like.
No wonder there were a lot of reservations that the district councils were going to be absorbed into one super county council – located away from where communities needed to be heard. At least there were enough Tynedale councillors who did listen to their constituents‘ concerns.
JOHN MARTIN
Fourstones
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here