There is an awful lot of scaffolding on York Way  – a colossal 600 metre long scaffold going up four stories.  Network Rail are doing some 100 year maintenance to put a new roof on and sort out all the huge windows on this Grade 1 listed building.  This kind of work has to be done but the scaffold is taking up most of the admittedly widened pavement.  I was worried that they might close the Platform One access at Wharfdale Road – originally due to be shut in August this year. In a letter (Download kx_update_oct_07.pdf ) , Dominic Pendry at Network Rail relays some good news:

‘I would like to update you about the northern entrance to Platform 1. As discussed the other day, Network Rail is committed to keeping this access open for as long as possible and we intend to keep the entrance open until mid/late 2009. However, as has already been the case, it may be occasionally necessary to close the ramp for short periods before this time on safety grounds, especially when significant vehicle movements take place, and we will endeavour to let local residents know whenever access will be limited’

‘The scaffolding is expected to remain up for one year (until Summer/Autumn 2008).’

There is still an issue, that Cllr Convery has raised about the lack of space on the pavement around the bus stops at busy times.  The change in road layout causes havoc for cyclists as buses and vans swerve all over the place. It would be good to have a new bike lane marked out.  There is a great opportunity to put some hoarding art work up from the Copenhagen Youth Partnership who do so much for local young people.

Network Rail have offered a meeting with local councillorsetc.  It is good at least to have a conversation with Network Rail, for so long our silent neighbour in the heart of the community.  For my own amusement and to attract Network Rail’s attention I made a short and simple film on the problem – click here to see it in YouTube.