Living Streets in Basingstoke

Basingstoke

Contact

Stuart Shurlock
Tel: 01256 320898
Email
stushurlock@hotmail.com

Basingstoke is a Hampshire town with a number of prominent industries. It has good connections with London and is used as a commuting town for many workers in the capital. It was largely rebuilt after the Second World War, and vehicle movement has been prioritised.

Known by some as "Doughnut City" because of the number of roundabouts in the centre of the town, Basingstoke presents a fascinating challenge for the living streets agenda.

Latest News from Basingstoke

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is trying its best to reverse the street-killing disasters of the 1960s. They have published a plan to bring back traditional street frontages to three areas: New Road behind the 'Top of the Town' (currently just a car-park wilderness); Cross Street to the west of the centre ( currently left strangely one-sided ); and Alencon Link in front of the railway station. Having previously opened up the area by banning all vehicles but buses and taxis, and replacing a gloomy subway with a wide zebra crossing, they are now proposing to allow the dead area by the wall of 'The Malls' shopping centre to be developed for street-fronting shops and restaurants.

The council recently also won an award for a new footbridge over Churchill Way, linking the railway station and one of the new apartment complexes with the bus station and Festival Place's bar/restaurant zone.

However, some of the Borough's other pedestrian friendly initiatives rely on Hampshire County Council funding, and they have unfortunately cut spending here almost back to zero.

Stuart Shurlock is our local Contact for Basingstoke. He would like to hear from other local people who would like to help form a branch.

David Early recently visited Basingstoke to learn about local issues from Stuart. Here is what Stuart had to say:

How did you find out about Living Streets?

"I was a member of the Ramblers, and I think they shared an office with you once. I was very interested in walking around towns as well as the countryside".

Any family details we can mention?

"My wife works in the NHS - in administration. She has been lots of things in the past - she was a professional gardener for fifteen years. We have two grown up daughters. One is a corporate lawyer and one is at university in Belfast".

What is the best thing about Basingstoke?

"Very nice people! It is a friendly place. It is good that the town centre has been preserved. And Basingstoke does have a lot of nice parks".

And the worst?

"All the dual carriageways and subways. No wonder it is called Doughnut City!"

What changes would you like to make to bring living streets to Basingstoke?

"I want to get the walking routes to the town centre improved - especially those on the north side. It would be great to hear from other people who share my ambitions for the town - a branch would really make a difference in terms of what can be done".