Reasons to be Cheerful
It is easy to get caught up in a web of negativity so with the sun blazing a path for the blue sky this evening, I decided to take a walk to some of the seedlings of progress that have appeared over the last year or so.
The New Junction - Billing Road and Park Avenue South
Not so long ago this was a nightmarish junction for the pedestrian, the pavements narrowed at each corner, there were few (if any) pelican crossings and you would often have to navigate two dangerous roads to be able to go in the direction you wanted to. The narrowing of the pavements was caused mainly by the inclusion of a slim filter lane when turning left from Billing Road onto Park Avenue South, this Google Maps shot illustrates:
The work that has been done to this junction has much improved the accessibility for pedestrians, the filter lane has been removed, the paths widened on all sides, clear road markings and brand new pelican crossings, there is even a crossing that allows you to cross the junction diagonally.
Now yes, this is a small step but a small step in the right direction, and one that will benefit pedestrians of all ages as they walk to school or the park. There is also a great opportunity to link up cycle lanes on the Rushmere Road to those on Billing Road, equally a step toward improved cycle links to Abington Park. These projects are often met with a large dose of scepticism from Northampton locals so good on the previous council for seeing this junction through.
An aside here, any feedback pertaining to an increase in traffic in the area must be taken within the context that overall traffic (measured by annual average daily flow) at the nearest counter point has been steadily increasing year on year to its pre-pandemic level of around 16000 cars. So yes, the perception that traffic is increasing may not be unfounded but this is not necessarily related to a junction adjustment!
And a note to the new council, the people in Northampton deserve safe, accessible junctions that accommodate all street users. There are many more examples where the removal of a filter lane could improve pedestrian accessibility, think about the Abington Square/York Road junction, or what about the New South Bridge Road/Cotton End junction?
These junction improvements could be a tangible way for a new council to demonstrate that it's not just about flags and 'cutting waste' but is also about making streets safer for people and making the local area something we can all use together.
The All Weather Cycle Track at Delapre Abbey
Officially opened in October 2024 this track is already proving popular with cyclists and walkers, forging a way from the Abbey toward Brackmills. A once potentially muddy walk is now accessible all year round. It provides helpful access also to the Bike Park nearby to Delapre Golf Course, and on toward Hardingstone village for walkers.
It is a lonely addition to cycling links within the town but there is potential here to build, perhaps by linking it up with the other greenways along the canal or by providing further all weather walking routes around Delapre Lake.
The Castle Heritage Park
Formerly an underused car park on Chalk Lane, work has now started to create a heritage park that commemorates the site of Northampton Castle. A project like this could be perceived as 'waste' in times of financial uncertainty, but now that it has started the most wasteful thing to do would be to leave it unfinished. An excellent project that brings space back to local communities with potential to develop greenways to the north of the site.
And just down the road, another project (though perhaps not one of environmental concern) that has been left tantalisingly close to completion. The Old Black Lion is an iconic building in Northampton, it would be great to see it open its doors again.
There are several projects aimed toward rejuvenation of our local spaces that need the attention of the new council. A council that, as it stands, holds a unique position in convincing people of its ambitions.
If these ambitions be patriotic ones then I would stress that genuine patriotism, difficult patriotism that goes beyond flag waving, finds itself in making our local area a place to be proud of, and that this is not in opposition to the aims of localism and green modes of transport. These ideas support the aims of patriotism.