Transport Plans to shut rat run near school scrapped following opposition

A PLAN to close a dangerous rat-run near a primary school has been blocked after public opposition.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

Almost two thirds of people consulted by Bristol City Council opposed closing Rosemary Lane, on the border of Easton and Eastville, so now the plan has been scrapped.The closure was first suggested almost a decade ago, addressing complaints of dangerous traffic on a route used by many parents and pupils to get to May Park Primary School. The scheme would have cost £550,000, creating a “pocket park” as well as closing the road to traffic. Councillors on the transport policy committee voted against approving the scheme on Thursday, February 5. Four Greens voted in favour of the closure, but were outvoted by three Labour councillors, one Conservative and one Liberal Democrat.

Green Councillor Rob Bryher, whose children go to May Park Primary School, said: “I go down Rosemary Lane pretty much most days. At the moment [the school] has a bike bus which they've established with really careful thought and attention to what would work. It’s been really successful and they get 20 to 30 kids cycling every Monday and Friday.