"True colours are Brylaine blue"

The debate on allowing buses through Strait Bargate continues ...
First with more proof that public opinion opposes the idea rather than embraces it.
Fenside Councillor David Owens tells Boston Eye:-
"It is worth mentioning that during the 'debate' at full council last week, I brought up the OFFICIAL survey carried out earlier this year under the guise off BUDGET CONSULTATION.
"The detail of this consultation was made available to all elected members and within its content there is very explicit mention and firm indication of the public's view relating to buses through Strait Bargate.
"In fact the public offered comments on 41 instances, this being despite the fact that there was no specific question relating to buses on that particular public consultation.
"The total number of surveys completed was 1132 and this compares to 213 in 2007/8 and 109 in 2006/7,’
"And it's fair to say it was far more widespread and unbiased that the recent transport survey.
"The report quoted the following:'It should be noted that in order to attain a confidence level of 95%, that is, to be 95% confident that the findings can be applied to the general population of Boston, it is only necessary to have a sample of 381 (Krejce & Morgan 1970.')
"Hmmm, sounds like a pretty good response from our citizens, fair, balanced and evidently one of the most comprehensive responses from Bostonians for several years.
"To conclude, I am truly baffled as to why elected members have been so blatant in their choice to ignore public opinion expressed in a very widespread exercise in favour of accepting a smaller survey whose respondents are heavily influenced as the main benefactors of this bus service.
"True colours are shining through, and they seem to come through a kind of BRYLAINE BLUE ."

Meanwhile, campaigners opposing the use of Strait Bargate by the buses (pictured above riding roughshod over public opinion) have been told that there is the possibility of a public enquiry as making the temporary Traffic Regulation Order permanent as unloading will be prohibited on the bus lane in Bargate.
Bypass campaigner Mike Borrill tells us: "Permanent TROs are subject to the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, which can be seen at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19962489_en_1.htm .
"These impose various legal requirements prior to making an order, including publishing a notice of the proposals in a local newspaper; allowing potential objectors 21 days to make representations; taking other steps the authority may consider appropriate for ensuring adequate publicity is given to persons likely to be affected by any provision in the order, which may include roadside notices and delivery of letters to premises; and holding a public inquiry if the TRO would prohibit loading or unloading of vehicles (i) at all times, (ii) before 07.00 hours, (iii) between 10.00 and 16.00; or (iv) after 19.00, or if the passage of public service vehicles would be restricted. (The authority may opt to hold a public inquiry in other circumstances.")
Whether or not we will see this democratic convention adhered to is anyone's guess, as the BBI is not exactly renowned for giving the voters much of a say - unless they are saying what the BBI wants to hear.
Time will tell.

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