Pedestrianisation needed for Knutsford (From Knutsford Guardian)

Pedestrianisation needed for Knutsford

11:34am Wednesday 27th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)

WITH reference to the article regarding the ivy on the Gaskell Memorial Tower, Guardian, January 20, you asked if people think Knutsford is doing enough to mark the bicentenary of Elizabeth Gaskell’s birth?

As this tower was built as a memorial to her, it would seem an obvious place to start.

Let’s hope the council and the tenants are able to complete the necessary work soon.

The Heritage Centre, in Knutsford, has plans well in hand for celebrating with a series of ‘Cranford walks’, pointing out buildings and landmarks that are connected with the authoress and her famous novel.

There will be exhibitions in the centre connected with her time in Knutsford.

Also, Tatton Park is hosting a lunchtime lecture given by two authorities on her work.

I think the biggest tribute Knutsford could pay is to tackle once and for all the thorny problem of pedestrianisation.

How can visitors be expected to appreciate the wealth of history and architectural interest in the town when they constantly have to watch out for traffic, congested pavements and have their senses bombarded by traffic noise and fumes?

I am embarrassed to encourage visitors to our town because it is not a pleasant place to walk round. I, and many others I speak to, believe that pedestrianisation would enhance the town, encourage people to return more frequently and stay longer.

I am not suggesting Knutsford should become a Victorian time capsule. There are ways for heritage and progress to live side by side, but there has to be give and take to gain the best of both worlds. Adequate off-street parking must be a priority for 21st century Knutsford so that people no longer need to park on the streets. I realise pedestrianisation is not popular with some shops and businesses but I would ask them, would you rather visitors stayed for one or two hours in a car park, or 20 minutes parked on the street?

In 2010, Knutsford will be in the spotlight as ‘Cranford’ and we must not let this opportunity go by without doing our utmost to showcase the town. Maybe it’s time for the ‘Amazons’, first line of Cranford, to take over again.

M GRACIE Knutsford

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)