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Gloucestershire Business News

'Hot tub' increases the temperature at Boots Corner

Judging by the reaction the addition of a "hot tub" to Boots Corner in Cheltenham has received an ice bath might have been a better option.

Businesses in the locality are currently seething about the on-going impact of the closure of the road that cuts in half the town's otherwise pedestrianised High Street with traffic.

For those in the vicinity feedback to the borough council and county council's highways department has long ago moved to include sheer indignation and outrage.

And while the 'hot tub' is actually a planter for a tree planter - as the borough council explores additions including seating, planters, cycle racks and even a "new town centre 'lawn'" - its sudden arrival has landed right on a very sore point for all concerned.

Chung Kong, who runs the popular long-standing nearby Mayflower restaurant, had this to say on Linkedin and Twitter (@chunfkong): "We now have our 'hot tub' in Clarence St!

"Think of how many potholes they could have repair with all the tax-payers money they have already spend in closing Boots Corner & not to mention the added time in driving around Town doing every-day things!"

The installation is part of Cheltenham Borough Council's plans to add new seating, cycle racks and a 'lawn' feature to the area around Boots Corner, which shut to general through traffic in June.

Both of Mr Kong's postings received plenty of attention and comment. Here is a taste of some of them.

Paul Baldwin, a director of Cass-Stephens Insurances, Gloucester, said: "Seriously? I haven't been to Cheltenham much at all recently as getting back to Bishops Cleeve is a right pain since they closed Boots Corner."

Roger Turner, a project surveyor at Willmott Dixon, said: "They don't see to see the views from local residents, business owners and shoppers as being valid, they are set in the minds that this is what's best, yet they don't seem to have a clue.

"I would stop nearly every day for a coffee in town at 7:30, now I can't get there because of the new system which means I go elsewhere and I would have thought a good few more have to."

Carl Friessner-Day, managing director at BrethertonDay Executive Search, said: "They should have kept Boots Corner open and closed Rodney Road.

"We would have had a real pedestrian area without buses and taxis, and it would have been cheaper for the tax payer and safer for the pedestrian."

Bradley Maber, director at William Rose Drain Services Ltd, said: "Chun me and my wife used to come over to Cheltenham on a Sunday regular for a coffee and a walk round Cheltenham but the parking has stopped us from doing this."

On Twitter someone calling themselves Missy (@fedupfish) posted: "Showed a few people who hadn't seen this and they roared with laughter. If the whole debacle wasn't so tragic for Cheltenham it would be hilarious."

Feedback is still being invited on the scheme by Gloucestershire County Council.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay cabinet member for development and safety at the borough, said: "At this stage in the Boots Corner closure trial we are encouraging everyone to feedback their views through the formal Gloucestershire County Council website gloucestershire.gov.uk/ctp-phase4 .

"We will also be conducting research into public views once the changes introduced in the trial have settled down. It is intended that a review will be carried out by CBC, GCC and Amey officers in month seven (December 2018) of the experimental period."

Feedback can also be given in writing to CTP Phase 4, Amey, Block 5, 5th Floor, Shire Hall, Bearland, Gloucester, GL1 2TG.

More information about the scheme can be found www.cheltenham.gov.uk/transport-plan 

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