Results of the Petition to Close the Lanes

Below is the text of letter that the Village Association is sending out to the relevant authorities. Note that not a single resident declined to support the petition.

"You are aware of Bourne End Village Association's proposals for managing traffic particularly in Winkwell on the grounds of safety for pedestrians and cyclists as well as reduction in vehicular traffic on rural lanes used as rat runs. We have been acutely conscious of the fact that, for our community, the traffic situation needs managing now, before the major additional development of LA3 arrives on top of the development of the Buttons site in Pix Farm Lane.

Over 80% of our community have expressed support for our plans by signing a petition circulated in the village. We are reporting this to you now in the hope that it will lend support to discussions that will further the implementation of traffic calming measures in Bourne End. We will continue to canvas the village community because not all dwellings are occupied and some residents have not yet been contacted but it is already clear that the overwhelming majority support BEVA and are even thereby prepared to change their individual traffic habits of convenience in the interests of community safety and cohesion.

Bourne End Village Association has canvassed opinion in the village specifically to ascertain support for the proposal to stop up both Chaulden Lane and Pouchen End Lane as a means to reduce traffic 'rat run' impacts. These impacts include pedestrian, cycle and general road safety issues, congestion and reversing, erosion of lanes etc. They are at their greatest in Winkwell and on to the A4251 London Road and A41 slip roads. The problems exist now and will only get worse with future developments such as LA3 adding enormously to traffic volume. The junction of Winkwell and London Road is a serious safety concern.

The original petition documents are available for inspection but a summary is supplied here. 87.55% of Bourne End Village have signed the petition in support the proposal. Not one resident contacted has refused to sign the petition. One business owner non resident expressed reservations but being non resident may not have realised an alternative access route could serve his business. Some properties are empty and some we have still as yet failed to contact.

93% London Rd North side, east of Bourne End Lane

94% London Rd South side, east of Bourne End Lane

78% Bourne End Lane

100% Lauries Close

77% Sugar Lane

92% Sharpes Lane/Pix Farm Lane

85% Winkwell (but 100% of occupied dwellings)

81% Pouchen End Lane"