November Event Summary

Feedback from the event

• Transport was a leading area of focus, both through the events, and within comments made online. We shared detailed proposals of traffic interventions and changes, which gave the opportunity for residents to consider specific impacts based on their local knowledge. These comments have provided fresh insight to support our review of some of the proposals, with improved understanding of some unintended consequences. Whilst roads dominated this topic, there were also several comments made on the need for improvements to the train station, more capacity on trains and the lack of bus services and connections to necessary destinations, including Stevenage hospital.
• Education was the second most commented on area with the highest number focusing on the options presented for secondary education provision. Whilst some alternative solutions were made, the majority of responses supported the idea of one school for Baldock. There was a preference for locating the new school on BA3 if relocation was required, with some concerns that the existing roads could be overwhelmed with the additional traffic this would bring.
• There were a number of supportive comments for the Baldock Greenway and improved pedestrian and cycling provision generally. A number of Baldock Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association (BALGA) members commented positively on the proposed increased provision of allotments.
• Over five percent of comments were about the provision of healthcare with a consensus that more was needed. It was highlighted that any new location should consider the mobility of those using the service and provide adequate parking and access by public transport if it was moved out of the town.
• Another five percent of comments were linked to housing provision, including the need for a high level of affordable housing with a good mix of property types to include bungalows and larger family homes. New homes should be specified to maximise their environmental performance.
• Water and the River Ivel still received 21 comments but this was less than the fifty comments received in March. The focus was still predominantly on water extraction and sewage capacity, but with acknowledgement that we had taken RevIvel’s points seriously from our interim engagement with them.
• Other topics with a handful of comments included the need for more policing, a larger cemetery and a splash pad. There were also a number of Ashwell residents who noted their concerns about reduced access to Baldock, particularly the train station by both car and bike. The need for Ashwell to remain in the Knights Templar catchment area was also highlighted.