Helen Duffy, a leading campaigner to save the trees threatened with the axe on the junction of Victoria Road and Saltaire Road is relieved to report that a compromise has been reached regarding the fate of the trees. Following a public consultation at Errigton House on the 30th December 2008, Simon D'Vali, Bradford Council's Principle Engineer for Shipley reported that an additional recommendation was now offered to Members for consideration:

1) Improve the white lining and include some extra red surfacing at the junction;
2) Remove some guard rail and some street furniture to improve sight lines;
3) Improve the 30mph signs and the 40mph Repeater signs on all the approaches to Saltaire;
4) Crowning of the tree canopies;
5) Possible resurrection of the build outs with relocation of the Stop signs and subsequent TRO to remove further parking on the junction approaches from both ends.  Build outs would be constructed to a high standard and in keeping with area.
6) Monitor accident levels/types following items 1-5 and report back to Members.

The measures above would be funded via the Casualty Reduction Programme and the Airedale Masterplan. However, if serious accidents at this location continue following items 1-5, then a strong case could be made for additional, more intrusive works.

Local Green Councillor, Martin Love, commented that it was to the campaigners' credit that the power of reasoned argument has achieved this compromise. In addition, Mr. Love is to put forward a request that the committee should be consulted on any future proposed change to the junction, in case the latest proposals and the hoped-for 20mph limit don't have the desired effect in reducing the accident rate.

The next meeting to discuss this issue is at 6pm on Wednesday 14 January, in Shipley Town Hall and is open to the public, although only the lead petitioner, Helen Duffy,  will be asked to speak.

For more information, email Helen Duffy or Martin Love.

Added: 9 January 2009