Sorting out the City infrastructure can be complex and frustrating.
hashtag#DowgateWard, like others, has a regular variety of issues that come to the attention of the elected members, and I am pleased to seek a way forward. If you have any concerns and questions about matters in Dowgate Ward or the City then do get in touch.
Recently Dowgate has been troubled by the pedestrian crossing over Upper Thames Street outside Riverbank House where the pedestrian green light-controlled crossing only authorised crossing part way and a second green light controlled the further dual carriage way lane. Bollards and warning signs just about meant no serious injury here and finally the straight across pedestrian light was installed after quite a bit of lobbying and liaison between the City of London Corporation Transport for London and the local occupiers
A similar triangle of discussion has overseen hashtag#ArthurStreet. It was the location of the shaft into the construction of the new Northern line tunnel from Bank Station which opened in October 2022. The shaft is still sunk with surrounding hoarding and no access along Arthur St with unsightly barriers. The go ahead has now been given for the TfL works to start in the next few months with the infilling of the shaft and ability to reopen the road. Further works to improve the street scape will be done at the same time to make this a City Street to be proud of and one that allows proper access.
Another eyesore for many years was the dilapidated pier at Swan Lane. A former floating pub use to operate here (The Regalia) and now there are plans about to be submitted to the City planners for a new use of the pier for a new floating Livery Hall for the The Honourable Company of Master Mariners. I co-ordinated a meeting of the relevant parties from Riverbank House and Watermark Place this week to hear the plans ahead of submission and raise relevant issues.
Much can be achieved by good communication and taking time to explain and listen to issues and concerns.
