Heath Street collapse wasn't a surprise

Published: 8:18 AM January 31, 2007

Updated: 9:51 AM February 20, 2021

That a burst water main destabilised part of Heath Street is not surprising as it has happened in the past (Busy shopping street becomes a money pit, H&H January 18). The local geology was exploited in the 19th century by the Lord of the Manor, who sold o

That a burst water main destabilised part of Heath Street is not surprising as it has happened in the past (Busy shopping street becomes a money pit, H&H January 18). The local geology was exploited in the 19th century by the Lord of the Manor, who sold off much of the sand and gravel on the Heath.

Further down in the High Street pedestrians are bothered by noxious fumes from traffic, though since customers still sit at the pavement cafes, coffee may be an antidote. Users of the 46 bus route are delayed as timetables are disrupted.

Congestion could be relieved were parking to be restricted to one side of the street between Pilgrim Lane and Prince Arthur Road, at least during the rush hour. There are two pedestrian crossings within yards of each other which could be replaced by one pelican type (no relation to an animal in St James's Park).

Any attempt to restrict car parking will irritate some. However, since a proposed by-pass was rejected in 1970, traffic has increased. That idea involved taking a strip of the Heath along East Heath Road - not a good proposal.

If nothing is done, pedestrians will have to adopt those filter-masks at present used by cyclists. Readers may have better ideas to restore the High and Heath streets.

SKIP MURPHY