Re: Safe crossings for the elderly in Castle Hill

I am writing on behalf of my mother whom I think you know. Her name is Mrs Christine Speirs, formerly of George Street, West Chesterton. She has recently been bereaved; my father was Ronald Speirs and I am sorry to inform you he died recently following the early onset of Motor Neurone Disease.

Following Dad’s death, Christine moved house and now lives as a fulltime resident at Edward House. You are probably aware this is situated at Castle Row and provides residential and sheltered accomodation for approximately 65 elderly ladies, many of whom are widowed.

You are probably aware that Edward House is situated in the middle of a very busy junction or island, across which elderly people find it imposible to cross unaided. This means they are effectively trapped for long periods of time within their rooms or shared areas within Edward House.

One solution is to build a Pelican Crossing, or another safe means of road crossing, to allow elderly residents to cross the road safely. This would mean residents would have be able to access bus stops into the city centre and to Kettles Yard and beyond. This much needed service allowing elderly people to continue to play active roles within the local community of Castle Ward.

I am therefore writing to ask you for information of how to investigate the possibilities of establishing a safe crossing. As a prospective Independent Councillor I would also like to know your position in regard to providing support for this much needed initiative.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

David Speirs

It has been closed for some time due to claimed tree works but today I noticed that at the Campbell Lane end a new fence has been built right across the old footpath and a sign has been put up saying “No Footpath”.

It is a route which I have been using for years and it is described in:
http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_3/walk_105/index.shtml
Viz:

1. Back at the road, continue ahead. In 150 metres the road swings left, and in a further 50 metres, right. In 80 metres you pass St. Mary and St. Michael’s Church, Trumpington on your right. Opposite the church, [!] turn left , then immediately right onto Campbell Lane, and in 25 metres bear left on a path, your direction 45 degrees.

2. In 200 metres the path comes out onto a private, surfaced road. Turn right, and in 100 metres go through estate gates to a war memorial. At the road, turn left.

Yours sincerely

David

David Bridge
43 Sedley Taylor Road
Cambridge
CB2 8PN