Update on the work at the Floral Clock

11.49.16am GMT Thu 30th Mar 2006

Improvements to the Floral Clock are causing some disruption for residents and traders. Ward Councillors David Watkins and Paul Elgood have been working to ensure that the impact is minimised as far as possible.

Here is the latest information on the proposed work:

Letter to Residents and Traders

Dear Sir/Madam,

FLORAL CLOCK - Highways & Environmental Improvement Scheme

Councillors Paul Elgood and David Watkins have requested that residents are updated on progress for the above-mentioned scheme.

Construction works for the project commenced on 4 January 2006. As referred to in previous correspondence, I am pleased to inform you that the footway improvements on the north side of Church Road are now virtually complete.

Temporary Traffic Management Alterations:

From week commencing Monday 3 April, construction works are due to begin in the following areas:

• Improvements on the north side of Church Road at the junction with Salisbury Road. Works in this area will include permanent alterations to the existing central island at the western end on the Floral Clock.

• Construction of the new footway to surround the north side of the Floral Clock gardens.

• Improvements to the two central islands at the eastern end of the Floral Clock, near the junction with Holland Road.

The duration period to complete the specific above-mentioned works is estimated to be approximately 10 weeks. In order to carry out the improvements in a safe manner, it will be necessary to fully close the north side of the Floral Clock to all vehicular traffic.

I therefore write to inform you that with effect from Monday 3 April, all eastbound traffic will be re-routed to the south side of the Floral Clock, thus creating 'two-way' traffic flows in this vicinity. This will avoid the need for a major diversion route for eastbound traffic, whilst minimising delay & disruption to both local residents / businesses.

(Continued Overleaf)

In addition to the above, it will be necessary to prevent vehicular traffic from gaining access to Church Road, on the north side of the Floral Clock. This will involve temporary closures at the southern end of Salisbury Road, Palmeira Avenue & Rochester Gardens as the works progress.

It will also be necessary to suspend the existing bus stop facility on the north side of the Floral Clock. However, temporary alternative stops, the locations of which have been agreed by Brighton & Hove Bus Company, will be provided at either end of the works.

The traffic management arrangements are shown on the attached plan.

Finally, although the works will be suspended between 14 - 17 April, over the Easter weekend, the traffic management system will still remain in place.

Whilst I appreciate that the above measures may cause some delays to traffic, I assure you that everything possible will be done to minimise any disruption. I also confirm that pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during the works.

I will write to you again in due course, before the next phase of temporary traffic management arrangements commences.

Bus Shelters:

As a result of concerns expressed by residents we have looked at whether the existing bus shelter on the south side of the floral clock could be refurbished and retained. However, we have concluded that this is not a workable option and so I can confirm that this shelter will be removed and replaced with a new shelter as originally intended and mentioned in previous correspondence.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any additional information regarding the scheme, or have any specific concerns with respect to the traffic management arrangements. The scheme, when completed, will result in a far more attractive, safer and accessible environment.

Yours faithfully,

Mr R. Sharma

Assistant Project Engineer,

Highway Management