The Council is proposing improvements to the River Frome channel within the ‘Frome Gateway’ development area, next to the M32. Primarily a flood resilience scheme, it also brings improvements to the edge of Riverside Park. The Society has responded to the consultation on these improvements.
We recognised the benefits that the project is trying to achieve. In particular, the improvement in flooding resilience and improved visual connection to the semi-culverted river.
We expressed caution on the following aspects:
- We hope that greater use brings more surveillance and makes it feel safe and discourages anti-social behaviour, such as temporary takeover of the amphitheatre.
- We support lighting for personal security at night. Wildlife-friendly to the extent possible.
- Monitoring and maintenance of the space will be important, either by the Council or by a local community group.
- The visualisation seems to ignore the fact that the cycle route goes alongside the river. There is a risk of collision between pedestrians and cyclists where the cycle route passes between the amphitheatre and the seating on the other side of the path.
Alan Morris