‘Prioritise junction over new signage’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘Prioritise junction over new signage’

8:24am Friday 17th February 2012 in Readers' letters

SIR – I am writing to highlight the persistent inconsistencies when it comes to the spending priorities of the Council in our city.

I have been campaigning for improvements at the Baildon Bridge junction. This has been highlighted in a number of your articles, and represents a significant danger to the residents in Baildon, not to mention a regular inconvenience for thousands when the road is blocked due to the frequent accidents.

I am regularly told improvements to the junction would be too expensive, and not a priority.

So, you can imagine my disgust, but not surprise, when I discover that a hi-tech variable message sign (VMS) scheme, costing over £115,000 of taxpayers’ money, has been installed right next to the junction in question.

The Labour Council claim that this scheme will provide “an essential service at a minimal cost”. How many lives will it save? How many accidents will it prevent? How is this a priority, or good value for taxpayers’ money?

When will the Council understand they have to listen to what people want? Over 300 people have signed our petition in the last six weeks.

I urge the Council to scrap their plans to expand the VMS scheme, and invest in the safety of our citizens.

Ian Lyons (Liberal Democrat candidate, Baildon), Cliffe Avenue, Baildon