Safe and secure use of sports centre is priority

Published: 30 June, 2011

• FOLLOWING the apprehension expressed on safety and the local campaign to stop the development work at Dalby Street, I write to let readers know that I remain very concerned about long-term road safety issues at this site.  

The secure and safe use by members of the public accessing Talacre sports centre is a top priority and the legal agreement Camden signed with the developers will ensure Camden officers remain vigilant in monitoring, both during the construction of the access road and the new building. 

The new access proposals were consulted on and approved in 2007 by the then executive (environment) sub-group. 

While appreciating that plans on paper may not translate well into practice, this is even more so when interpreted to building contractors, who recently attempted to use the footway and carriageway to get rid of site spoil. 

Having been alerted by ever-observant local groups and individuals, this unacceptable practice was stopped by officers. 

I would like to thank local people who have kept the council informed of this shoddy approach at the very start of this large development. 

This site and its operatives will be very carefully watched and monitored, not only by local people but also the council and overseen by me as environment chief.   

The developers and their contractors are now fully aware of their responsibilities and concerns expressed by local people and I shall be meeting the developers to reiterate this point as well as their health and safety obligations.

Within this project 19 affordable flats will be built and they will provide much-needed homes for families in overcrowded conditions in the borough, along with a relocated medical surgery. 

The long-term safety issues, captured within the legal agreement to provide marshals, will be continually monitored and, once detailed design of the highway and access road is completed, will be subject to a stage two road safety audit. 

It will be a difficult project but one we must work together to ensure the benefits are delivered safely and quickly.

CLLR SUE VINCENT
Cabinet Member, 
Environment & Planning