4th May 2007

Landslide victory for the Bypass campaigners, Bypass candidates 25 others 7!

Today the people of Boston and District won a stunning victory for democracy by electing the Bypass Independents into power, taking control of Boston Borough Council.

The good people of Boston have demonstrated to the old order that their repeated failure to acknowledge and address the enormous problems of this historic Market town have finally led to their downfall. Any elected group who fails to listen to the people does so at their peril. Our Borough and County Councils have consistently failed to listen. They are therefore the architects of their own demise.

This is a triumph of people, (democracy) over the party politics which has controlled and manipulated this County for decades.

Well done! The people of Boston and District you have made this happen by having the courage of your convictions and placing your vote for change.

Congratulate yourselves, you deserve it.
Who said we Bostonians won’t stand up and be counted when it matters?

We in the Boston Bypass Pressure Group see this as the culmination of two and a half years of hard work campaigning for a fairer deal for Boston.  We therefore have a great sense of satisfaction that our original aims of winning seats at County and Borough level has finally come to fruition.
Richard Austin an original group member has taken our dream forward to County and now finally to a sensational result here in Boston. Congratulations Richard.
 Two other group members Neil McGregor and Brenda Owen also stood and won their seats, so congratulations to them also and of course to all the other successful candidates.

Now the hard work really begins. No one is under any illusion, they know they have a mountain to climb to attain a major road scheme for Boston and to sort out all the other major problems inherited from the previous administration.

It will be tough, but it is comforting to know that we now have a team of dedicated talented people who are highly motivated and determined to once again make Boston a prosperous vibrant town, where people can once more hold there head up high and proudly boast “I am a Bostonian”

For the full results click here.

The Press Statement made is as follows:

We have called this Press Conference in advance of the Highways Policy Development Group (PDG) Meeting to be held on 8 January and the Executive Decision that is due to be made the following day, on 9 January, by Martin Hill’s Executive Group at Lincolnshire County Council.

We are now in receipt of the Transport Strategy for Boston 2006 to 2021 and beyond.

We would like to say that our reaction to the report and associated papers is one of huge disappointment, but of no surprise. Given what we have witnessed during the whole study process, the result is exactly what we anticipated: We accept that Lincolnshire receives less funding per capita than anywhere else in the country, but we do not accept that the funds available are disproportionately distributed, favouring primarily Lincoln and those schemes which will enhance Lincoln’s case for two bypasses.

The whole process has been constrained politically and financially as confirmed in the Jacobs report. There was never any serious intention to deliver in the short term a major road scheme for Boston; had there been Boston would have been included in the Local Transport Plan and in the options given to the public for consultation, which we requested. The Government Office for the East Midlands has confirmed to us that Lincolnshire County Council failed to bid for Government funding in July 2005 for a major road scheme for Boston. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. LCC didn't’t ask.

From our involvement and observations, the Boston Transport Study, we consider to be seriously flawed in the following areas:

Study Process:

• Did not comply with the original terms of reference.

Data Collection:

• Financial constraints resulted in severely restricted monitoring.
• No Economic Assessment has been carried out for Boston.
• Inappropriate and unreliable methods of data collection.
• Post Code methodology used which ignores cross town journeys.
• SATURN model used to analise data is no longer recognised by the Department for Transport.
• No consideration or projections given for known future developments within the area.
  Public

Consultation Exercise:

• Poorly advertised.
• Complicated and misleading questionnaire, with no mention of short term, medium term or long term options.
• Not written in plain English. Jargon!
• Options presented excluded part of a major road scheme but included schemes already rejected by the people of Boston.
• Designed to enable misrepresentation and maximise the ability to manipulate.
  

Recommendations:

Short term option suggested will increase congestion, pollution and gridlock, having a major effect on the retail economy of Boston.

Short term option will not resolve the bottlenecks.
No specified description of what type of distributor road is proposed for the long term.

Central Trains have recently announced major investment in the Sleaford to Skegness line, increasing the number of trains. The present 34 trains per day will rise having an expediential effect on traffic congestion.

We appeal therefore to the Members of the Highways PDG, the LCC Executive and Boston Borough Council to reject the recommendation to improve the A16/A52 main roads and to recommend an examination of the feasibility of building the first part of a major road scheme.

We also make the following appeal directly to Cllr Martin Hill: “This is your last chance to show that Lincolnshire County Council is listening, Cllr Hill. The only solution to resolve Boston’s dire traffic congestion is a major road scheme.”

The people of Boston are already despondent and frustrated, so should this recommendation be accepted, they will show their feelings, as will we, at the ballot box in May.

Given the major flaws within the study we believe the whole exercise has been a complete waste of public money and valuable time.

We are also to hold a Public Meeting on Monday 29 January 2007 at 7.00pm at the Haven High Technology College in Boston to consult once again with the general public about the way we take our campaign forward.

For further comment click here.

We have now received a copy of the Transport Strategy for Boston 2006 to 2021 and beyond.

Firstly we would like to say that our reaction to the report and its associated papers is one of huge disappointment but of no surprise. Given what we have witnessed during this whole process the result is exactly what we anticipated.

We are well aware and accept that Lincolnshire receives less funding per capita than any where else in the country. Funding any major project therefore is difficult.
How ever what we do not accept is that the funds available are disproportionately distributed, favouring primarily Lincoln and those schemes which will enhance Lincoln’s case for two Bypasses.

From the outset it was obvious that the Transport study and its final recommendations would be dictated by finance and the political preferences of the LCC.

There was never any serious intention to deliver in the short term the first part of a Major road scheme for Boston. Despite our pleas for this to be included in the options for consultation and costs being probable no more than the patch up scheme which is being recommended, our request on behalf of the people of Boston has been ignored.

According to the Government Office for the East Midlands, as early as July 2005 ( only part way through the study ) the County Council had an opportunity to bid for funding for a Major Road scheme for Boston but failed to do so. To quote the letter from GOEM:

“LCC has undertaken various studies of Boston’s traffic problems in recent years, including the current Boston Transport Study. I understand these studies have concluded that a Bypass for Boston would not be value for money and consequently the County Council has not made a bid for Government funding for such a scheme.”

How can LCC claim this when the last full study was undertaken in the early nineties, and incidentally recommended a Bypass, the present study had not been completed and vitally, no economic study has been undertaken.

The bottom line is if you don’t ask you won’t get and the LCC do not ask!

We believe this proves our point.

No wonder we and the people of Boston have no faith in Lincolnshire County Council. Too many broken promises in the past do not convince us that the long term recommendation for a distributor road would ever be honoured.

From our involvement and observations we consider this present study to be seriously flawed in the following areas:

Study Process - Did not comply with the original terms of
reference.

Data Collection – Financial constraints resulted in severely restricted monitoring.

Inappropriate and unreliable methods of
Data collection used.

Postcode methodology used which
ignores cross town journeys.

The Saturn model used to analyse data
is no longer recognised by the Dept. of
Transport.

No apparent consideration or projections for known future developments within the area.

Public Consultation Exercise -

Poorly advertised.

Complicated questionnaires with no
mention of short term, medium term
or long term options.

Not in plain English. Jargon!

Options presented excluded the first
part of a major road scheme but
included schemes already rejected
by the people of Boston.

Designed to enable misrepresentation.

Recommendations.

The short term road option being recommended by this report ( improving the existing A16/A52 main roads including Liquorpond street. Chapter 4 page 10 ) was always the option favoured by the LCC but will do nothing to alleviate Boston Traffic congestion, on the contrary it will make matters worse.

The bottlenecks on the Haven Bridge, on Sleaford Road and the railway crossing cannot be resolved, therefore widening the roads leading up to and between these two points will only bring traffic quicker into the existing bottleneck, creating more congestion and more pollution.

Central trains have recently announced major investment in the Sleaford to Skegness line which will increase the number of trains on that line; The present 34 passenger trains per day will therefore rise, having an expediential effect on traffic congestion.

The only way to decrease the congestion is to enable traffic that does not need or wish to be in that area to take another route. This could be achieved by building the first part of a major road scheme to the South of the town.

Any short term solution must form and facilitate part of a long term solution. The option being proposed clearly does not do this.

To accept the piecemeal solution on offer will not only fail in it’s objective but will bring lengthy months of chaos to the town, driving away even more shoppers and visitors, who once gone do not return. So yet again the economy of Boston and District will suffer.

Given the major flaws within the Study we believe the whole exercise has been a disgraceful waste of public money

We appeal therefore to the members of Boston Borough Council to reject the recommendation to improve the A16/52 main roads and to recommend an examination of the feasibility of building the first part of a major road scheme.

We believe this could be the last opportunity for Boston. The people of Boston are despondent and fed up and will show their feelings, as will we, at the ballot box in May.

The Bypass Groups will be holding a Public meeting on January 29th 2007 at 7.00pm at the Haven High Technology College in Boston to inform and consult with the public on the Transport Study and the way forward.

BBPG endorse the Boston Bypass Independents Group.

Following the Boston Standards recent front page article on the Boston Bypass Independents, the Boston Bypass Pressure Group would like to publicly endorse the campaign to elect Boston Bypass Independent candidates at next Mays local elections.

BBPG write to Cllr. William Webb, Portfolio holder for Transport at Lincolnshire County Council.

4th October 2006.

I am writing to you today because the BBPG have some serious concerns regarding the continued delay in the reporting of the Transport Study.
I understand from David Woods that this will not now happen until December.

If you remember during our discussion in July, we talked about the feasibility of the re allocation of funding from the Dock Link Road scheme to the construction of the first part of a relief road for Boston. Both your self and Elaine Turner (later in the day) agreed that a relief road could be built in sections, and in principle that the funding could be re allocated to that scheme.

We now understand that should the Dock Link scheme not proceed, the funding must be re allocated by December.

You will understand our concern therefore that this delay in the reporting of the Transport Study could jeopardise that funding being re allocated for Boston.

There are those amongst us who feel this could be a cynical ploy to deliberately delay the reporting to enable the funding to be re allocated elsewhere.

I do hope the cynics amongst us are wrong as I believe the BBPG have established a good working relationship with the LCC and we would not like to see a return to the days of distrust and confrontation which we have all worked so hard to avoid

I would be most grateful therefore if you could give us some re assurance that no re allocation of the aforementioned funding would take place until the Transport Study has reported and a decision made on a Transport solution for Boston.

The Boston and District Bypass Pressure Group would like to respond to the recently published letter in the press from the elected representatives of Boston Borough Council, which not only misrepresents this group’s position with regard to the Boston Bypass Independents but also contained a number of other inaccuracies which are misleading.

Firstly the BBPG have publicly stated their support for the newly formed BBI and will continue to do so, as obviously they have the same aims as us. However the BBPG is a completely separate entity with a different constitution and a non party political ethos.

What individual members of our group decide to do in terms of the level of support or involvement they wish to adopt, is a private matter and entirely up to them.

We have never publicly recruited candidates for the BBI nor have we targeted Boston Borough Council within the context that the author of the letter suggests. Frankly Councilors such misrepresentation is unworthy of you, Boston people have read our recent letters in the press and know exactly what was said. (Letters, Boston Standard 4th Oct.,)

With regard to the funding of the Transport Study we think the author must have had a memory lapse. The BBPG was formed in October 2004 and following a high profile campaign the funding for the Transport Study was announced in the spring of 2005. It is well documented that this funding came about as a direct result of that campaign, indeed senior members of both the County Council and the Borough Council have acknowledged this.

The public will note that over the past 9 months the BBPG has refrained from reporting on a series of meetings which have taken place between the BBPG and Boston Borough Council. We believed we had an unwritten agreement that we could have open and honest discussion, with out either side taking offence or becoming defensive and airing their disagreements or concerns in the press. This was an attempt to reach a consensus about the way forward, so that the whole community was singing from the same hymn sheet in relation to demands for a comprehensive solution to Boston’s Traffic problems.
Disappointingly it would appear that this agreement has been broken by what appears to be a defensive knee jerk reaction to the recent formation of a new political force in Boston and our most recent meeting last Thursday (12th Oct.)
Sadly Councilors you have proved the point. Politics first community second.
It was disingenuous of you to try to undermine the BBPG to defend your political record and in the process undermine the campaign for a major road scheme for Boston. We suspect Lincoln will be laughing their socks off.

Finally during our recent meetings with the BBC we outlined major concerns regarding the recent Transport Study which could bring into question the validity of the final report. These included the failure of the study to include in the options for public consultation, a high grade relief road which could be built in sections.
We know, and this has been confirmed at County level, that the funding earmarked for the Dock Link road will remain available up until December and could be re allocated to build the first part of a relief road for Boston.
This could be achieved within a timescale not much greater than the stop gap measure which we believe will be on offer and with much less disruption. This would give immediate relief to our present situation and provide the first link to a total solution.
At our meeting last Thursday we appealed to the Council not to accept the stop gap solution but to give some serious thought to our alternative proposal.
Obviously (given the time frame) the Councilors have given no thought to this at all and have not even mentioned it in their press release.
We are not naïve Councilors, we know the difficulties we face in acquiring funding to achieve a transport solution for Boston. However we repeat, unless we are all prepared to pull together you can give it up as a lost cause and sadly Boston will suffer the consequences.

BBPG.

We are mindful that our meeting must finish on time as immediately following you will be attending an equally important meeting regarding the future of health services in our area. We have therefore put together a list of major concerns and questions relating to the transport study, the consultation process, the local economy and required political action, which we hope will facilitate our discussion.

Despite concerns regarding the Transport survey we do believe that if some of these are addressed, the present momentum to give Boston a major road scheme can be progressed, especially as there appears to be a far greater willingness on the part of some sections of the County Council to find a solution to our problems. We know that there are many hoops to jump through, so the sooner we get on with it the better. We must make it quite clear that as a pressure group representing the public, we are required and expected by them to ask robust and searching questions and demand answers from our elected representatives. Failure on our part to do so would be to fail the long suffering people of this area who have put their trust in us. We have no intention of letting them down.

Conversely, we and the public have been disappointed over many years by the perceived inaction of our Council and the County Council to aggressively address the transport and associated economic problems of this area.

Now is a pivotal moment for Boston and the (long awaited ) time for our Council to declare its preferred option for a major road scheme.

It is time to put aside all party differences and demonstrate determination, direction and leadership to the people of Boston and to Lincolnshire County Council. It is what the people expect and what they deserve.

If we all work together we know we can achieve this.

Where there is the will there is the way. Please show us that the will and determination is there.

This is not just about the future of Boston but about the future of the whole of South East Lincolnshire.

BBPG write to Cllr. William Webb, Port Folio holder for Transport at Lincolnshire County Council. 4th October 2006. I am writing to you today because the BBPG have some serious concerns regarding the continued delay in the reporting of the Transport Study. I understand from David Woods that this will not now happen until December . If you remember during our discussion in July, we talked about the feasibility of the re allocation of funding from the Dock Link Road scheme to the construction of the first part of a relief road for Boston. Both your self and Elaine Turner (later in the day) agreed that a relief road could be built in sections, and in principle that the funding could be re allocated to that scheme. We now understand that should the Dock Link scheme not proceed, the funding must be re allocated by December. You will understand our concern therefore that this delay in the reporting of the Transport Study could jeopardise that funding being re allocated for Boston. There are those amongst us who feel this could be a cynical ploy to deliberately delay the reporting to enable the funding to be re allocated elsewhere. I do hope the cynics amongst us are wrong as I believe the BBPG have established a good working relationship with the LCC and we would not like to see a return to the days of distrust and confrontation which we have all worked so hard to avoid I would be most grateful therefore if you could give us some re assurance that no re allocation of the aforementioned funding would take place until the Transport Study has reported and a decision made on a Transport solution for Boston. .

The Boston and District Bypass Pressure Group joined with other campaigners on Saturday 16th July 2006 to encourage the people of this area to register their views regarding their choice of a major road scheme for Boston.
The overwhelming impression gleaned from talking to the public was that they are sick and tired of bit part solutions and being fobbed of with short term measures. They demand of both the Borough and County Councils that they action a major scheme as soon as possible, before this area sinks into irretrievable economic decline..

Dock Link Road Scheme in Doubt. The BBPG has today learnt from Lincolnshire County Councils Local Transport plan that the Dock Link Road scheme is to be reviewed. The document states:

A Public inquiry into the building of the Road was held in the summer of 2005 and that decision is still awaited. However costs have risen to such an extent that the scheme is now being reviewed in both economic development benefits and transport terms. The County Council remains committed to the future development of Boston and will explore with Boston Borough Council and others the best way forward. This will include a review of the Dock Link road as part of the transport study in developing an integrated transport strategy for Boston.

Although this decision would appear to be for financial reasons, linking the review to the ongoing Transport Study is in line with comments made by the Inspector at the Public Inquiry when he queried why a decision on the scheme had been made before the ongoing Boston Traffic Survey had been completed and reported upon.

Given that the Dock Link Road was originally deemed an economic development scheme and to the best of our knowledge to be funded from economic development monies only, it is interesting that its future has now been linked with the Transport survey even though claims made at the Inquiry of its transport benefits were not convincing.

Spiralling costs from 9 to 13 million pounds would hardly seem to be a cost effective option for a bridge and a road of less than one mile in length. This must therefore put its future in serious doubt.

However this could open the door for a more flexible approach to the siting of the Southern Link Road.

The retention of the Southern Link road in the Local transport plan states that the road could be reconsidered as part of an integrated transport strategy for Boston. Its inclusion in the new Local development framework documents, which offer a much more flexible approach to planning than the original Local Plan, could open the way for its resisting and to attracting both economic and transport funding for the development of the Southern element of a major road scheme for Boston. Dependent, of cause, on the outcome of Boston’s ongoing traffic survey!

Having spent so much time and effort opposing the Dock Link scheme at the Public Inquiry, the BBPG are pleased that the whole scheme is being reviewed as this could, together with the Southern Link element present new opportunities within the new Local Development Framework to get Boston’s road infra structure modernised.

The BBPG look forward to continuing the ongoing positive informal discussions with Boston Borough Council around these issues.

BBPG

Boston Standard Press Report 22.02.06. HOPES have been raised that a preferred route for a Boston bypass could be officially adopted by the borough council.

The Boston Bypass Pressure Group wants future development in the town to be planned around a possible bypass route, to ensure new housing schemes do not hamper Boston’s chances of getting the go-ahead for a bypass in the future.

The pressure group has now been invited to join borough council discussions on a new Local Plan for the town, following the withdrawal of Boston’s current plan which had been based around the now-defunct Southern Link Road scheme.

New BBPG chairman Christine Basu said she was ‘delighted’ at the invitation to meet with top council officials, and added: “I really think this is a major step, not just for us but also for Boston Borough Council – it’s not just the outcome of the meeting that is significant, but simply the fact it’s going ahead."

Explaining the thinking behind the meeting, she said: “We wish to discuss the possibility of adopting a preferred route of any future bypass or distributor road, which should be protected from being blighted by any proposed housing, business or sports developments. The Local Plan could then be developed around this line.

“It would be so much more effective if next time we bid for a major road scheme, Boston Borough Council, Boston businesses, developers, and most importantly the people of Boston, are all singing from the same hymn sheet.”

The announcement was made at the bypass group’s first annual meeting, where outgoing chairman Neil McGregor outlined their various successes since forming 15 months ago.

He said: “The most important achievement is that the group has been accepted by Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Borough Council as a credible organisation that they can deal with on a level playing field.”

"For all your News, Sport and Leisure make sure you get the Boston Standard every Wednesday, alternatively check out the Website www.bostontoday.co.uk"

Boston Transport Study - Progress to date (Feb 2006):

Letter to Cllrs. Boston Borough Council February 2006

BOSTON AND DISTRICT BYPASS PRESSURE GROUP

- to -:

Boston Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, West Street, 6th February 2006 BOSTON PE21 8QR

Dear Cllr.,

Proposed meeting with Boston Borough Council.

Following our recent telephone conversations, I am writing to formally request a meeting with Boston Borough Councilors.

Given the County Council’s decision not to progress the Southern Link Road scheme and its impact on Boston Boroughs Local plan, we feel now is the time to offer constructive comment and debate on the development of a Local plan which will meet both the economic and transport needs of Boston and District for the 21st. Century.

One of the topics we would like to discuss with you is the possibility of adopting a preferred route/line of any future Bypass/Distributor road which could be protected from being blighted by any proposed housing/business or sports developments.

The Local Plan could then be developed around this line giving local and future businesses the confidence to invest in Boston, having opened up the road network locally, to the north of our District and the East Coast. Peterborough is a good example of how planning the road infra-structure first, brings about enormous benefits.

This would also give the County Council and their officers a concrete base on which to work, in terms of the planning stage.

We feel it would be so much better and more effective if the next time we bid for a major road scheme, Boston Borough Council, Boston Businesses, Developers and most importantly the people of Boston and District, are all singing from the same hymn sheet.

We understand that there is to be a Cabinet meeting on the 15th February to discuss the implications of the dropping of the Southern Link Road scheme on Boston’s Local Plan, followed by a full Council meeting on the 27th February.

We know it is very short notice but we would respectfully request an urgent meeting with yourself and members of the Council before the meeting on the 15th February, as we sincerely believe that there are opportunities presented now which should not be missed.

Yours sincerely,

Christine Basu.
Secretary BBPG.

July / September 2006 - BBPG to meet with Boston Borough Council:

Following a request by the BBPG, Boston Borough Council have invited the groups Executive to meet with leading members of the Council and its Officers in cross party discussions on the future of Boston’s road network.

The BBPG would like to inform the public of a meeting which was held on Thursday March 9th 2006 between the Executive of the Boston and District Bypass Pressure Group and cross party representation from Boston Borough Council, which included both the Leader and Deputy Leaders of the Council.

July 2006 - Public Consultation

The Boston Transport Study is nearing completion and the opportunity has now arrived for the people of Boston to have their say.

The Borough and County Councils in conjunction with Jacobs Babtie, the transport consultants, will be consulting with the public on options for a solution to Boston’s serious Traffic congestion.

Your views are a vital part of the consultation process and will influence the final options chosen to resolve our traffic nightmare.

For the cynics amongst you who feel that whatever you say will make no difference, we would ask you to remember that it has been publicly acknowledged by the Councils that it was public pressure, led by the Boston Bypass pressure Groups campaign, that brought about an acceptance of Boston’s serious Traffic problems and the funding of the Traffic survey.

That is no mean feat!

On your behalf, the Boston Bypass Pressure Group has for the past 11 months been involved in the Transport study, monitoring, arguing, contributing and hopefully influencing the outcome.
We have also on a regular basis been attending and meeting with Borough and County Councils and their representatives, arguing, debating and consistently putting forward the Transport and economic case for a major road scheme for Boston.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO JOIN US AGAIN IN INFLUENCING THE OUTCOME.

IF YOU BELIEVE BOSTON NEEDS A MAJOR ROAD SCHEME ,YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR VIEW. DON’T LEAVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE!

REMEMBER, YOUR VOICE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

To register your view the details are as follows:-

Venue - Marquee, Boston Market Place.

Dates:
Saturday 15th July 10am to 5pm
Wednesday 19th July 10am to 8pm

WE WILL BE THERE, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE.

Christine Basu
Boston Bypass Pressure Group.

10th March 2006.
BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Christine Basu, today took part in BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s outside broadcast from Boston’s market place. The programme concentrated on Boston’s traffic problems to which numerous contributors took part.
Christine highlighted the causes of Boston’s traffic problems and the social and economic impact this is having on Boston and the surrounding District, particularly the eastern coastal strip.

She challenged claims by an e-mail contributor that Boston’s traffic problems were nowhere near as bad as Maidstone in Kent, where he had previously lived. She said that Maidstone is a much larger town than Boston, situated in the South East which has a far greater population density than Lincolnshire. Further more it is supplied by a much better infra structure, having direct rail and road links ( including motorways ) to London and the coast and is surrounded by a network of good quality roads.

Boston on the other hand is in rural Lincolnshire, has no direct rail or road links and would not expect to suffer the same level of congestion as large towns and Cities in other parts of the Country. Unfortunately we do.

In response to another contributor who claimed that despite 15 months of pressure from various groups nothing had been done, she responded by saying that she felt this statement was misleading. The BBPG together with pressure from the people of Boston had achieved a significant shift in attitude by both the Borough and County Councils, leading to;

The ongoing traffic Survey.
The dropping of the Southern Link road, in its present form.

Question marks over the Dock Link road.
The inclusion in the 2nd Local transport plan of proposals for the development of an intergrated transport strategy for Boston which could, depending on the outcome of the transport survey include a Bypass or distributor Road for Boston.
A willingness on the part of both Councils to meet with the BBPG to discuss future road strategies for Boston within the context of the new Local Development Framework documents.

Of course the caller would be unaware of some of these latest developments.
Contributions were also made by MP Mark Simmonds supporting the call for a resolution to Bostons traffic chaos, Cllr. Joyce Dobson and Richard Wills from LCC .

Dock Link Road Scheme in Doubt.

The BBPG has today learnt from Lincolnshire County Councils Local Transport plan that the Dock Link Road scheme is to be reviewed. The document states:

A Public inquiry into the building of the Road was held in the summer of 2005 and that decision is still awaited. However costs have risen to such an extent that the scheme is now being reviewed in both economic development benefits and transport terms. The County Council remains committed to the future development of Boston and will explore with Boston Borough Council and others the best way forward. This will include a review of the Dock Link road as part of the transport study in developing an integrated transport strategy for Boston.

Press Release 17.03.06.

Following consultations with the Boston Bypass Pressure Group it has been jointly agreed that Cllr. Richard Austin should stand down from his membership of the group to enable him to take a more active part in County Council discussions on the future of Bostons road infrastructure.

Under local government standards regulations, his membership precludes him from asking questions or joining in debate at crucial Council meetings which is counter productive in terms of fighting for a Major Road scheme for Boston.

This will not however prevent him from continueing to consult with the BBPG or any other interested groups fighting for a Bypass for Boston.

BBPG Executive.

Letter to Cllr Leggott Boston Borough Council February 2006

BOSTON AND DISTRICT BYPASS PRESSURE GROUP.
Secretary:- Christine Basu, 63, Spilsby Road, BOSTON, Lincs. PE21 9NX.
Tel. 01205 365830 e-mail-christine.basu@btinternet.com



Cllr Richard Leggott,
Boston Borough Council,
Municipal Buildings,
West Street, 6th February 2006
BOSTON
PE21 8QR


Dear Cllr. Leggott,

Proposed meeting with Boston Borough Council.

Following our recent telephone conversations, I am writing to formally request a meeting with Boston Borough Councillors.

Given the County Council’s decision not to progress the Southern Link Road scheme and its impact on Boston Boroughs Local plan, we feel now is the time to offer constructive comment and debate on the development of a Local plan which will meet both the economic and transport needs of Boston and District for the 21st. Century.

One of the topics we would like to discuss with you is the possibility of adopting a preferred route/line of any future Bypass/Distributor road which could be protected from being blighted by any proposed housing/business or sports developments.

The Local Plan could then be developed around this line giving local and future businesses the confidence to invest in Boston, having opened up the road network locally, to the north of our District and the East Coast.
Peterborough is a good example of how planning the road infra-structure first,
brings about enormous benefits.

This would also give the County Council and their officers a concrete base on which to work, in terms of the planning stage.

We feel it would be so much better and more effective if the next time we bid for a major road scheme, Boston Borough Council, Boston Businesses, Developers and most importantly the people of Boston and District, are all singing from the same hymn sheet.

We understand that there is to be a Cabinet meeting on the 15th February to discuss the implications of the dropping of the Southern Link Road scheme on Boston’s Local Plan, followed by a full Council meeting on the 27th February.

We know it is very short notice but we would respectfully request an urgent meeting with yourself and members of the Council before the meeting on the 15th February, as we sincerely believe that there are opportunities presented now which should not be missed.

Yours sincerely,

Christine Basu.
Secretary BBPG.

BBPG Traffic Timing survey:

Following a meeting with the Traffic consultants undertaking Boston’s Traffic survey, during which provisional information was shared with the BBPG, the Group have undertaken a timing survey which has been forwarded to the Consultants in the hope that this will enhance the data already collected.

Press release relating to resignations January 2006

With reference to the item in last weeks Target Newspaper regarding the resignations of the Chair and joint Vice Chairs of the BBPG, we would like to point out an inaccuracy within the statement.

Brian Rush was elected Chairman of the group in July 2005 following the resignation of Anne Dorrian.

Following his election Mr. Rush went on holiday for a number of weeks but on his return did not attend a single meeting of the group. He finally resigned at the end of September. Effectively he never took up his position as Chairman.

The present Chairman was elected in the autumn and is still in post. Therefore the Chairman of the BBPG has not resigned.

The BBPG regret that the joint Vice Chairs, who have made a valuable contribution to the group, have chosen to resign.

However in response to their claims that they were prevented from putting pressure on the Councils, we would like to point out that as joint Vice Chairs they had ample opportunity to have influence, and bring any dissatisfaction with the groups previously agreed direction and strategy of the campaign, to meetings of the full group membership. Sadly, despite repeated written and verbal requests they chose not to do so.

This is regrettable as we are a group of volunteers, all fighting for one cause, a Bypass for Boston. There is room within the group for all views, however extreme, but ultimately to be credible and effective in achieving our aims we must follow the democratic process and speak with one voice.

Argument and debate within the group is healthy and welcomed but outside the group is damaging to our cause and lets down the people of Boston and District who have so steadfastly supported us to date.

The BBPG retains a dual strategy of cooperating, for the time being, with our elected representatives and their officers on the Councils. Whilst we choose to work with the Councils we are by our very nature a pressure group and we want to put pressure wherever and however it is most effective. We therefore continue our campaign within the press, media, public meetings etc. We will continue to make a noise until we have achieved a major road scheme for Boston.

We hope these words will reassure the public that the BBPG continues to fight vigorously for the cause, and trust we continue to have the goodwill and support of the people of Boston. Hopefully more people will join the 18 of us already playing loudly in the drum section of our band, and should any of our ex colleagues wish to rejoin us in the future, they would be welcomed back.

If you are interested in joining our group please contact the secretary on 01205 365830 or e-mail christine.basu@btinternet.com


Neil McGregor
Chairman, BBPG.

The case was positively received and in order to speed progress towards the building of a Boston Bypass, the Project Group passed a resolution urging the full County Council to continue work on the issue to the planning stage.This will advance the preferred scheme so that it can be put into the Counties programme at the next appropriate moment.
Following the meeting the BBPG members met with the Portfolio holder for Highways, Cllr. William Webb.

In relation to the Local Transport Plan, the BBPG have recently communicated with Borough Councillors urging them to accept the Executive Committee of the County Councils recommendation to use the catch all phrase ‘Boston Traffic Relief and Access,’ rather than ‘Southern Link Road’, which is currently in the draft Local Transport Plan. A more ‘catch all’ phrase would enable greater flexibility for any future road building project
.
Included in our communication was a plea to all councillors to seriously consider the longer term consequences of passing any planning applications, whether they be for housing, business or sports facilities, on Bostons failing road infra structure and most importantly the line of any future Bypass.

Today 19th January, BBPG representatives have met with Tony McArdle, the new Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council during which a very frank and honest discussion took place concerning a whole range of Transport issues including the aforementioned.

What ever the outcome of this group and the people of Bostons efforts to secure the mention of a Major Road scheme for Boston in the Local Transport Plan, we wish to assure all of you that we will continue to lobby Councillors and actively pursue the Bypass Campaign. We will not rest until there is a resolution to Bostons serious road problems.

BBPG.

The BBPG are disturbed to read Jeremy Clarkson’s recent comments in the latest edition of the Top Gear Magazine and would like to add our views to those respondents on last Tuesdays “ Look North “.

Although we acknowledge  Jeremy Clarkson’s  celebrity status, we are seriously concerned by the irresponsible nature of his most recent remarks.

He puts Lincolnshire at the top of a list of places, above Holland and Germany, where he describes his driving as irresponsibly fast because the country side is too boring to look at.

If Mr. Clarkson had any genuine knowledge of this County he would understand that it is only the South and Coastal strip of the County which is flat and not  to every ones  taste, but one could hardly describe the Lincolnshire Wolds as boring.

Perhaps he is equally referring to the miles and miles of European motorways which do not make for interesting driving. But where are they in Lincolnshire?

Ah! maybe he spends his time driving up and down the A1, parts of which are on the western perimeter of the County.

Mr. Clarkson is obviously ignorant of the appalling condition of Lincolnshire’s, (England’s’ second largest County) road infrastructure, or should I say lack of it, and the neglect of successive national and local governments to develop the road network in line with demographic changes, housing growth and as a result a struggling economy.

We agree to some extent that it is bad drivers that cause accidents but when other wise responsible drivers are faced with the daily reality of trying to travel around a County where there are:-

Only ten miles of dual carriageway within the whole County

Miles of meandering, relatively narrow roads which contain an inordinate number of dangerous bends, blind junctions and undulations.

High numbers of H.G.V.’s which are generated by the agricultural, food processing and distribution bases which are dependent upon road transport for haulage.

Slow moving farm vehicles which create long tailbacks.

High volumes of holiday traffic travelling to the coast

And most importantly, high levels of traffic congestion, which occurs because there are no alternative routes to enable traffic to cross or Bypass our towns. Boston being the most obvious and worse example.

No wonder drivers become frustrated and take unnecessary risks.

Frustration should be no excuse for dangerous driving but when put in the context of missed appointments, loss of business and potential livelihoods and when even going shopping becomes a hugely time consuming chore, one can begin to see how these factors  contribute to Lincolnshire having one of the highest death rates in the country attributable to road traffic accidents.

We would like to remind Mr. Clarkson that he is a role model for the present young and future generations of drivers, in particular young male drivers.

So in future, perhaps he could put his brain into Top Gear and realize the responsibility he has to these young people by using his celebrity status to set a good example.

By becoming more informed about the areas through which he drives,  perhaps he could do more good by highlighting publicly the poor conditions and lack of road infrastructure suffered everyday by the people of South Lincolnshire. 

Every voice, especially well informed celebrity voices, help.

Christine Basu.