Closure of the Ramp connecting Varley Lane to the Cattle Market car park and the substantial restriction in the number of parking spaces during 60 weeks of construction of the Integrated Services Hub is having a massive impact on hundreds of people who regularly use this access route each week.  Users of the route include people with severe health problems, mobility and vision problems, wheelchair users, and families with pushchairs.  The reduced number of parking spaces not only has an impact on users of the Varley lane route, but restricts access to the town centre and its other facilities.

The alternative access route suggested is felt by many to be unsafe. Part of the route is a narrow road, barely wide enough for a car, which is without street lighting or pavement.  It is a sloping road with walls on either side.   Available parking on the Cattle Market is very limited and other town centre car parks are further away, across main roads and lead to pedestrian access via the same restricted route.  The Westbourne car park does not offer any discounts for residents on parking fees.  

People affected by these restrictions are feeling less able to leave their homes to access the town centre or to visit the local community centre for activities.  Some people have likened this to a repeat of the 'Lockdown'.

It is clear that little thought or local consultation has been carried out regarding the way in which the works are to be carried out and thus the impact on the people living, working and accessing facilities in this area.