A packed public meeting at the Parish Centre heard of a large number of individual concerns over the traffic problems caused by large crowds at the Rose Bowl. In true cricketing fashion fielding the questions were the top two members of the Rose Bowl management team Nick Pike and Geoff Cox.
Also under close inspection was Inspector Paul Newstead, the Police Officer in charge of controlling traffic flows.
This was the first meeting of the Rose Bowl Liaison Panel. The Rose Bowl team, who had both altered holiday plans to attend the meeting, and Inspector Newstead, who himself has been a West End resident for over 20 years, did their best to answer the difficult questions.
However they all recognised that the current situation could be improved and that each event was a learning process. Upon the suggestion of Nick Pike the initial terms of the panel were changed so that the panel should meet quarterly instead of half yearly.
The overwhelming feeling of the meeting was that the current traffic management arrangements need improvement and that the aim of the Liaison Panel should be :-
“To promote a positive relationship between the Hampshire Rose Bowl (Hampshire County Cricket Club) and the local community. The Liaison Panel will enable the exchange of information and promote discussion on any matters that may have an impact on local residential amenity. The Panel will receive reports and will comment and advise on the long term development of the Hampshire Rose Bowl as a venue for first call cricket, recreation and entertainment. The Panel will meet on a quarterly basis and the meetings will be held in public”
The members of the panel will be Nick Pike and Geoff Cox from the Rose Bowl, the West End Borough and County Councillors, four parish councillors – the Chairman/Vice Chairman of Full Council plus Chairman/Vice Chairman of Planning. Inspector Paul Newstead for Police and the eight residents that came forward after the meeting. These residents are :-
Mr. Parker of Monarch Way; Mr. Graham of Telegraph Road; Mr. Payne of Telegraph Road; Mr. Prior of Beacon Road; Mrs. Bellamy of Chapel Road; Mr. Pilcher of Botley Road; Mrs. Turl of Moorgreen Road, Mr. Clapson of Hilldene Way
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