Malvern Gazette 11th June 2004, Letters Page

It's time we shouted 'foul'!

WELL, finally someone has stood up and shouted `foul' in respect of the abuse and con being heaped on Upton people. H J Barclay (Your Letters, June 4) is to be applauded. He has raised many issues that have bothered me.

Under freedom of information, Worcestershire County Council will be obliged to show us the strength test results from the Upton viaduct over the past few years. I say, show us now.

Upton's strength is often being stoical when it should be making its voice heard. Where are our elected voices in this matter? Have Upton people heard one word of comment. No, they have not. Certainly not from the public meeting called.

Where's the communication? It's non-existent.

The signs for the bridge and diversion information have grown piecemeal. Way back in March a weight restriction, but no warning that caravans and horse boxes would be trapped. It has taken until now to even attempt to put in place clear information.

Mr Barclay hits the spot. Wooden sleepers are replaced by concrete equivalents. Let's scare any motorists, 4x4 driver or white van man so they turn round and hightail it for the Worcester or Mythe Bridge crossings.

Then we come to the businesses. There are no truckers using the Hanley Road car park. Don't tell me that's not hitting evening trade in town.

So, where are the elected voices of democracy defending the east side of the river from this grotesque and invasive `temporary' road? Silent it seems.

It's about time Upton stood up for itself and stopped Elgarcentric Malvern and the county mandarins ignoring its importance.

A prime opportunity for Upton to get itself a new bridge has been missed. A bridge that is a 21st Century credit to the town, not some metal hand me down from an era we've long since buried.

There's always cash if you are prepared to fight for it hard enough. Join the debate, join the fight if you want, but let's fight for Upton and future prosperity.

Chris Mair, New Street, Upton-upon-Severn.