Parking idea (From Penarth Times)

Parking idea

THE PARKING problem is becoming more acute, and continues to grow weekly, question any trader in the town centre, about their customers frustrations.

Future economic growth will be seriously impaired when visitors attracted by the barrage will be appalled by the lack of parking facilities, and stay away.

I make a suggestion that may be possible if the powers that be take the matter seriously. Provision of a concrete beamed deck over the railway from Victoria Bridge in Grove Place up to the railway bridge in Stanwell Road will help. Access and exit could be provided at Victoria Bridge, thus helping park and ride into Cardiff.

This scheme does not involve any demolition, and the cost of construction using modern civil engineering techniques would be minimal.

Now that the government owns Railtrack permission may be easy, and costs involved would also be minimal (if any).

Very few residential properties would be affected. It could be possible that hundreds of parking places could be provided and a very serious problem for Penarth residents and business would be solved.

The deck at existing road level could be supported on piles either side of the railtrack, lintels on top of the piles, and then the deck of concrete beams laid on the lintels. This civil engineering 'kit' could also be delivered, by Railtrack, to the site.

The suggestion is worth serious consideration and I would welcome any helpful comments from your readers and other interested parties.

I have already received very supportive help and guidance from a local Labour councillor Paul Gray, and I will be sending a copy of this letter to the Vale Highways Department, Mr Alun Michael MP and Lorraine Barratt AM.

Mr A Parsons Stanwell Road Penarth