As a resident of Ridge Road we have seen a vast increase of traffic usage on the road. With developments in both Wootton and Kempston, Ridge Road has become a rat run.
For what is a 30 mph traffic users use this a speed making the road dangerous.
The road was originally designed for 1930s road use and 1930s vehicles, it is just not upto the rigors of the 21st century To add a carpar, an additional primary school to Kempston rural at the other end of Ridge Road and further housing, the small narrow road just cannot cope.
The road is already in a general state of disrepair with pot holes, but the verges are collapsing and with this causing issues with amenities for water, electricity and gas. The increase of traffic and heavier vehicles is expediting this problem. In addition to the destruction of the road residents are feeling effects on the properties with houses shaking and cracks beginning to appear. This would much align with understanding that the population of Kempston Rural has increased in population by 50% in recent years therefore showing in the increased road usage.
Placing a primary school in such a precarious position is also going to have a devastating effect on the local area. Kempston Rural are lucky in being able to access the lidl carpark for parents to park cars, there is no where for this to happen and therefore will affect local residents and the general flow of traffic, being on a blind corner its also surely a danger hot spot. I also think we need to question if another school is needed in such close proximity.
In regards to the carparkbeing built near the Branston Way this too is going to add further pressure on the area, it will also have a devastating impact on the local environment and that of the areas of the Marston Vale wooded areas.
In fact the over development of the area Will suffer devastatingly. Currently Kempston Rural is still semi rural to build in the surrounding land will ensure that the area loses this incredibly important natural habitat and will see Kempston joining Wooton in to one long conglomerate decimating Kempston Rural and making it Woopston if you like.
Losing our green space and farm land is so incredibly short sighted, we have a beautiful and natural area that feeds and works for the local community. It should be nutured and protected not used for schools, houses and carparks.
The area has already been heavily developed with new estates and warehouses we need to give nature room to flourish and our wildlife time to bounce back.
In short the 2040 plan is shortsighted environmentally as well as not looking at exsisting infrastructure and the devastating effect it will have on the ecsisting community