New Initiatives for a Better Stratford

Although Stratford Voice is sometimes portrayed as being ‘against all change’, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. There are many changes needed if Stratford is to reverse the decline of recent years and cope better with the increasing traffic problems that beset the town. We are actively working on campaigns to improve the town centre and to redevelop Lucy’s Mill Bridge. We would like to do more, but there are limits to what the committee can undertake at any one time.

Our New Initiatives Wish List below shows some of the positive changes we would like to see in Stratford. Please let us have your views on them – we will launch more campaigns as soon as our resources allow, starting with those that get the greatest support from you. Better still, if you would like to help with any of these campaigns yourself then we can get them started earlier.

Wish List

1. Early action to establish a southern park & ride, and improving P&R information & incentives.  The whole concept will only work if the full infrastructure is in place, with better signage and clearer incentives.  The current policy of waiting for the present Bishopton half-system to work will never get us there.

2. Campaigning for an urgent weight limit on Clopton Bridge.  Signage from the south would direct through traffic for the M40 to the Barford river crossing via existing main roads.  Light traffic as well as HGVs would benefit from avoiding a congested town.  This is a low-cost initiative since it does not propose any new roads or bridges.

3. Refurbishment of Stratford railway station and improvements in rail services e.g: more frequent and some faster trains to Birmingham, at least one late evening train both ways, re-routing some trains via Solihull, trialling a fast service to Birmingham airport via Leamington & Coventry. And better publicity & marketing for the railway! World Class Stratford must be shamed into taking action to implement an immediate face lift that can be carried out from revenue budget followed by a 3 year plan to sensitively upgrade station to a high standard, not as a modern monstrosity but to its original status to maintain its quant and historical features.

5. Town Square and its approaches must be improved, and it will be a disaster if this goes wrong for a second time.  We could survey residents' and other users' opinions on what is needed.  Suggestions to date call for a 'softer' more friendly feel to it, better protection from the elements, plantings, a water feature, later opening - make it part of the night time economy - and especially, toilets!

6. One or more initiatives relating particularly to younger people and families. Possible topics could be:

·       Schools and education

·       Playing areas / sports facilities

·       Addressing the problems faced by first time house-buyers

·       Green public transport

7. Improve all entrances to Stratford by developing an area of land adjacent to each main traffic island laid out with tasteful floral and shrub features containing a welcome message.  Remove (or at least complete!) the armillary on Banbury Road.  Roads leading into town should have increased amounts of tidy grass verges and shrubs.  This whole activity could be implemented in conjunction with Stratford in Bloom organisation. 

8. Develop wildlife areas with nature trails, woodland areas, improved footpaths for riverside walks both down stream towards Bidford and Upstream towards Warwick.  These projects could be carried out in conjunction with RSPB and Woodland Trust.