Crossing slated for removal

The raised pedestrian crossing outside Coopers in West St, Umina, has been condemned without proper community consultation and slated for removal.

The decision was made by the outgoing Traffic Committee during the last meeting of its tenure.

A review of the crossing's effectiveness was called for by Mr Mathew Wales.

Gosford Council Investigations Unit advised that the existing threshold had recently contributed to the flooding of several adjacent shops

Not true say the concerned residents who monitored the area during heavy rain on Saturday, April 3.

Discussions residents had with Mr Steve Bevan who came from Gosford Council's Erina depot to investigate our concerns that flooding was more likely related to a lack of proper servicing of the five drains may result in a review of the whole situation.

Photographs and monitoring conducted by community members bring into question the removal of infrastructure that has served the community well for seven years.

Outraged objectors, who were instrumental in saving the traffic calming device from relocation as part of the Umina beach Streetscape Masterplan with their objections four years ago, were at that time fearful that a select few were influencing the decision to relocate the crossing.

There is enough doubt to demand a full review of the decision based on the fact that five storm water drains surround the raised crossing and, in the event of blocked drains, it would be an island of safety for those trying to cross the road.

The wrong move ignores the fact that blocked drainage will result in flooded shops after the unnecessary removal.

Edward James, Umina