This morning at our monthly ward surgery in Blackhall library I met with two residents’ representatives to hear about their concerns about the lockable bollards scheduled to be installed at the top and bottom of Park Avenue in Blackhall Colliery. Please see post dated Tuesday 26 April 2022 and additional links for full details: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2022/04/council-commits-to-completing-works-at.html
We spoke for quite a while about the two separate viewpoints on this development - with some residents and their families against the proposal and other residents who are very much in favour. It appears that those against the scheme oppose it because they have concerns about parking along the back lanes on either side of Park Avenue (I've raised residents' concerns about parking at this location with the council this morning). Those residents in favour of the scheme however are keen to see bollards installed because they've expressed concerns for some time about the potential risks associated with traffic using the pathway. Although there have been a few near-misses thankfully there have been no accidents or injuries to date. However I think most of us would agree with the principle that the council shouldn’t ‘wait until someone is killed’ before they do something - surely a phrase we’re all familiar with.
Whatever the divergent opinions on the current position it falls to the council to address residents' concerns about the risk of an accident. The council as the landowner has a legal duty to respond to those concerns by taking whichever measures it feels are necessary to mitigate the risk, because if it failed to do so - having been alerted to the potential dangers - they could be held liable in the event of an accident. It’s safe to say that regardless of opinion on this matter no one wants that outcome.
The pressing matter now for the council is to ensure that it’s reacting to residents' concerns proportionately by installing lockable/removable bollards in a way that doesn’t create any additional restrictions for access for emergency vehicles and other utility and maintenance vehicles.
To address this particular aspect I've asked the relevant department at county hall to provide any associated documentation - including notifications, correspondence and responses to any consultation process undertaken before the decision was made to install bollards. I’ve asked specifically for confirmation that the emergency services have been consulted on the council’s proposals and that they have no objections.
As set out above the council is the final arbiter. As the owner of the pathway they have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of everyone using it. However, it's only fair that they do so in a way that doesn't cause any unnecessary inconvenience or disruption for residents and their visitors. With that in mind it’s the responsibility of the council to take whichever measures it considers necessary - in this case installing lockable bollards to prevent illegal access - but to do so in a way that is fair and in proportion to the potential risks but also recognises the needs of all residents in Park Avenue.
Residents will soon be receiving letters from the council setting out its intentions for Park Avenue. I would urge every resident to respond to the letter, regardless of individual opinion.
Any additional queries should be directed to the officer dealing with this matter: andrew.blanckley@durham.gov.uk
