Market Place survey was misleading (From Salisbury Journal)

Market Place survey was misleading

6:10am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Postbag

I AGREE there was a consultation (Postbag, January 31), but were the comments listened to?

Not for long. In the Salisbury Market Place survey, there was no mention of the Guildhall Square.

The survey was misleading and there were no questions asking whether the eight disabled bays should stay or be removed.

However, in response to question 15, 54 per cent of the 1,500 respondents stated that they “strongly agreed or agreed” that there should be disabled parking in the Market Place.

It has been pointed out to the area board and Wiltshire Council that there are over 6,300 blue badge holders in the SP1 to SP5 area.

It has also been pointed out that the Equality & Human Rights Office has confirmed that many people with chronic and disability conditions are considered to be disabled and even though they may not qualify for a blue badge, they have the legal right to park within 50 metres of a bank and other essential services.

Two petitions were organised and over a matter of days nearly 3,000 registrations were obtained from people objecting to the removal of parking in this area.

Overall there has been a huge amount of objection to the plans but the area board and council seem to be unable to understand the day-today difficulties faced by the sick, disabled, and the elderly who rely on the current parking facilities and whole lives will be deeply affected if this parking goes.

Surely, in this day and age, we could agree to share the Market Place. Parking on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only, so we can enjoy the market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, keep Thursdays and Sundays for special events, leaving an open space on those two days when nothing is organised.

This should please everyone.

JEANNE RUSHBY, Salisbury