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Hurrah for levelling up. We find much on Facebook in favour of the levelling up project. Comments like ‘What they’ve proposed looks amazing!’ We suspect, however, that our county councillors will listen most to those who shout loudest.... the naysayers.
Early days. Facebook engagements (comments, likes, sads) on one group to 19/4/24
When it comes to levelling up, we would urge our county councillors not to fall for the loudest mouths on Facebook. It would be a travesty to adopt the rule of the playground: he or she who shouts loudest should not always be listened to. There should never be a referendum by social media. But, sadly, this has been the case.
Quieter, potentially more knowledgeable voices not only go unheard, they may be concerned to express an opinion that may be shouted down. I know, I’m one of ’em (on Facebook).
Yes, there are weaknesses with levelling up. Yes, there need to be tweaks. But I’m very much in favour of the levelling up proposals. One way traffic is only a minor inconvenience.
■ Look at Holywell. They had to undo what they created as it killed the town shops
Trefynnon/Holywell was pedestrianised. Rhuthun/Ruthin’s plan isn’t pedestrianisation. It certainly appears to give more space to pedestrians but that’s very different. Unlike in Trefynnon, motorists do not appear to be banned from town. The consultation images actually show cars on roads.
■ Traffic through [through traffic] will be awful
Well, fine. We need to take out through traffic: the type of traffic that adds nothing to town and can easily use other roads. On the other hand, we should and must welcome motorists who then park, shop in the centre, who dine in the centre, who visit the centre and who live in the centre. It is they who contribute to the town. Through traffic is just an unnecessary blight.
■ Currently it’s very functional with few delays
For motorists, no doubt. Much less so for pedestrians. You remember pedestrians? After they’ve parked, they’re the ones who actually spend money in town. Make it attractive for them. Make it easier for them. They’ll be more inclined to come into town, wander and spend. They will enjoy the experience more and perhaps open their purses or wallets.
■ The last one caused utter chaos... traffic congestion despite less [fewer] cars due to [because of] Covid
Really? O, come off it. In a town the size of Rhuthun? In my experience, any delays were seconds. If you want to see REAL congestion, go to Chester, Wrecsam, etc.
Congestion implies through traffic. Through traffic has an alternative to the town’s narrower streets.
■ How will my 90 year old father get to the bank in his car?
Parking on the Square should as a priority be for disabled people.
■ Tried a one way system before and it failed!
This doesn’t appear to be about one-way traffic. It’s seems to be about pedestrian priority and opening space for pedestrians (which isn’t the same as pedestrianisation). One way traffic may be a way of attaining that. It’s a tool. It really won’t hold you up too long. In any case, through traffic should bypass the town, not drive through it.
■ Should have had this drop in session BEFORE deciding what’s best for the community!
There have been multiple Ruthin Future drop in sessions (even reported this blog) long before levelling up. These were significant consultations. But when it comes to plans, it seems to me you actually have to design something first, to see something first, so that people can get an idea.
■ It’s one of the most beautiful town centres in Wales so why mess around with it when it’s not broken!
But it is broken. Tradesmen everywhere. Cars parking where they shouldn’t oughta, including up kerbs and sometimes fully on pavements. A sea of tarmac that doesn’t enhance the Square. We could make so much more of our Square.
■ Let’s not let these few people ruin our town with this idealistic plan
Actually, let’s not allow the naysayers to thwart an imaginative and huge opportunity for Rhuthun.