Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 David HODGETT (Croydon) (19:00): (861) My adjournment today is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and the action I seek is for the minister to reinstate permanent fencing in the outdoor dining area of Miss Lacey Cafe and Wine Bar that was removed during the Coolstore Road level crossing removal project. Ms Tennille Douglas, the owner of Miss Lacey Cafe and Wine Bar, has always had an outdoor dining area available for her patrons, a vital part of her business that has been part of the cafe for 17 years, dating back to the previous owner. Prior to the level crossing works and the change to the traffic the outdoor area was a quiet corner of Croydon with very little traffic passing through. The cafe also had fixed fencing along the edge of the kerb which provided a safety barrier to the diners utilising the area. When the level crossing team removed the fixed fencing from the area Ms Douglas was assured that it would be replaced like for like. However, as the project is nearing completion, Ms Douglas has been told that temporary cafe panels will be the replacement option offered. Replacing permanent fencing with temporary fence panels is hardly like for like. Just recently when we had high winds we witnessed businesses having those temporary panels just blow over. If there were to be an accident on this corner, the temporary panels would do nothing to protect diners.

As a result of the Coolstore Road level crossing removal project in Croydon the traffic flow and main thoroughfare have changed, and as a result of this Lacey Street now joins with Kent Avenue, making this the main thoroughfare through Croydon. The increased traffic flow means there is now a larger volume of vehicles turning onto Main Street at the intersection of Lacey Street. Miss Lacey Cafe and Wine Bar, located on the corner of Lacey Street, is now in the heart of a major intersection, with cars passing by this business frequently and often at speed. Given the close proximity of her business to the intersection, the slope of the road and the lack of kerb at the corner, without the permanent fencing this poses a significant safety concern for the diners within the outdoor dining area. The patrons are sitting ducks at risk of an accident happening or someone being seriously injured or killed. Ms Douglas has already seen a decline in customers utilising the area, as they feel unsafe. Having already been significantly impacted by the level crossing removal works, it is unfair that Ms Douglas continues to be impacted by this latest decision where the fixed fencing will not be replaced as promised. Minister, I implore you to reinstate permanent fencing at the outdoor dining area of Miss Lacey Cafe and Wine Bar, which was removed during the Coolstore Road level crossing removal project, to ensure the safety of patrons and prevent a tragedy from occurring.