Plans to retain crossing

Well over 1000 people will be extremely pleased with the assistance of Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews, provided to the local citizens in their efforts to save the raised West St pedestrian crossing.

Gosford Council received two petitions directly challenging the published council agenda reports that the important raised crossing was a contributing factor in shop flooding.

The first had over 1000 signatures.

The second, specifically called for by Cr Chris Holstein, chair of the Gosford Traffic Committee, had several signatures from business operators.

Gosford Council has now released its "preliminary" plans indicating the retention of the important raised pedestrian crossing adjacent to South St, Umina.

Perusal of those "preliminary" plans is exciting because they show council planning has now grasped the idea of correctly placing tactile ground surface indicators, aids for the many visually-impaired who enjoy shopping in the Umina strip shopping centre.

Most of us are familiar with the "hazard type," a series of raised dots, which are intended to mark the parallel edge of train platforms, stairs and gutters, while the twin ribs type help the visually impaired to cross the road safely and squarely.

The Chamber of Commerce president had pushed hard for the removal of the important raised pedestrian crossing located on the desire line across West St from the public carpark lane in West St, Umina.

Edward James, Umina