Case Study

Grant to Greens Norton Community Centre Car Park

Background

Greens Norton Community Centre opened in November 2006. Included in the Planning Approval Conditions was a proviso that there should be a one-way traffic flow around the road / car park. The reason for this was that the width of the roadway was too narrow to accommodate two-way working, and that the exit gate was in close proximity to the toddlers playground.

Greens Norton Community Centre Association (GNCCA) has, over the years, tried to ensure that this one-way working is observed—through signage, road arrows, etc. However, there have been those who have ignored the signage, etc. and have entered via the exit gate. There have been several near misses. The GNCCA are aware that should there be an accident they (the GNCCA) could be criticized for not ensuring that the one-way system is observed and hence putting the safety of the public, particularly small children playing nearby, at risk.

Another additional perceived problem was that cars had been reported using the car park at night— their purpose of being there unknown, but somewhat suspicious, particularly when the community centre was closed.

Specific needs

Reluctantly the GNCCA decided that they had no alternative but to install flow plates at the exit gate together with the requisite signage, lighting, etc.

The Grant Process

It was to be no cheap exercise, however, and the initial budget was approximately £ 10000.00. Whilst the GNCCA had some funds available they could not cover the total cost. An application was therefore made to the Village Hall Trust for £5000.00, half of the total cost. The application was successful.

Orders were placed for the supply of the materials, and the sub-contractor who was to install the flow plates. It was decided to engage an approved sub-contractor for the installation of the flow plates to ensure a suitable warranty was obtained should there be any problem. The remaining works—trenching for cabling, the installation of the two sign posts, the signage, and a further post for additional floodlighting were all to be installed by volunteer labour from the GNCCA.

Apart from some adverse weather the works went ahead as planned and were completed by the end of March 2024. It would appear that the works have had the desired effect. There have been no reports of cars trying to enter via the exit gate, and there have been no complaints regarding the plates.

The initial £10000 budget was adhered to. The budget included a speed ramp to the rear road together with an access ramp into the rear building. At the time of writing this work is being actioned.

The only other work not yet completed is the ‘NO ENTRY’ sign to be applied to the tarmacadam surface outside the flow plates. This is being monitored to ascertain as to whether it is really necessary considering the amount of signage already surrounding the gate.

To reinforce the measures taken CCTV is also being installed—the cameras will monitor the car park area, and the roadways around the buildings.

Outcomes

The whole project has thus been completed successfully, and whilst requiring a considerable amount of work, has been completed with the help of the funding from GNVHT and the GNCCA volunteers — completed on budget, and to the timescale laid down by the GNVHT.