Published: 29 June, 2012

• THE chaos caused by the width restriction in Drayton Park could easily have been avoided if the council had implemented the scheme it consulted on and agreed with residents and cyclists.

Instead, a revised scheme was introduced with no notification and we have seen the results – there have already been two accidents.  

It is quite an achievement on the council’s part to have united drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in opposition to these measures.

I am meeting council officers on site next week to look at how we can improve the width restriction and have also raised the way this scheme came about with the council’s chief executive.

Regarding the other big issue in Highbury, Network Rail’s behaviour at the sidings by the Emirates Stadium is deplorable.

Despite promises last year to inform the council and residents when cutting back trees was necessary, Network Rail just went ahead without telling anyone. 

This is clearly a trend across the country and we now need to work together to make clear to Network Rail that it cannot continue to act in this way and treat residents, the council and wildlife with contempt.

These issues highlight what happens when organisations act as if they know best.

This arrogant attitude ends up wasting time and money when the inevitable public outcry leads to schemes having to be modified belatedly.

CLLR JULIE HORTEN
Lib Dem, Highbury East