Street closure proposed to put brakes on car cruisers

Mar 6 2008 by Sian Watts, Rhymney Valley Express

PROPOSALS have been put forward to close Blackwood High Street to combat the problem of car cruisers.

It is likely that the plans will be subject to an 18-month trial period to assess how effective the closure of the road has been in solving the problem.

The Traffic Regulation Order is set to come into force this summer.

A report to Blackwood Town Centre Management Group on February 27 revealed proposals include:

Closure of the High Street from around 7pm to 4am between the junctions of Bridge Street and the access to the KFC restaurant

The flexibility to implement the closure on any day of the week but only if required

Exceptions for disabled drivers, taxis, buses and the emergency services

The report also details it is recommended that there will be a public consultation period of some description before the proposals are implemented.

Objections have been made by some believing car cruisers will simply move into nearby side streets causing a danger to children on the residential roads including Gordon Road, Attlee Road and Coronation Road.

Businesses opening at night such as Mecca Bingo have also expressed worries about access to their premises if the High Street is closed to traffic.

The people of the town have been objecting to the noise, nuisance and safety issues of cars meeting and cruising through the town, particularly on a Thursday evening.

Cars have been noted as coming from as far afield as London and the West Midlands.

In the past the police presence has been increased in the worst affected areas and the dispersal notice which was implemented in October 2007 resulted in 583 cars being told to leave an area and not to return within 24 hours.

Three arrests were made on the basis of this order during the period it was in operation.

Coun Nigel Dix, who has taken part in 20 months of deliberation over the problem as part of the Multi Agency Problem Solving Committee, said: “We have tried all other measures which have worked, but they are not permanent solutions.

“I think this will work, this is sending out the message we are deadly serious.

“I take on board people’s concerns (about traffic collecting in residential side streets), but police assure me this will not be the case and in the long term they guarantee to put resources in there.

“I would appeal to all politicians to get behind this proposal for the good of the town – let’s get all the community together.”

Coun Dix stressed that the order was flexible and would be implemented only when necessary.

What do you think of the proposal? Call Sian Watts at the Express on 01685 856501.