Frustrated neighbours were left fuming over plans to "butcher" an underpass near A52. The improvements were outlined in a report and include changes to a number of crossings and an underpass on Landmere Lane to improve safety.
The planned improvements, in combination with the changes to the underpass, aims to create an active travel route between Nottingham Knight roundabout and Landmere Lane in the west, to the employment, local centre and new housing adjacent to Wheatcroft Garden Centre in the east. It also promises to facilitate active connections between Ruddington and the key services, including to Rushcliffe Spencer Academy.
But members of the community living near the underpass have hit back saying "we do not want to change the way we live". David Allcock, living in Wayne Court, added: "In my opinion, this would be a waste of money. They could tidy up the underpass.
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"We do not want anyone to change the way we live. The changes would destroy the wildlife and completely butcher the trees and vegetation."
The 72-year-old said that Wayne Court is a private road used by regulars who travel through the underpass. He added: "We are a very friendly community, we do not have a problem with people using the underpass. But it is us, the neighbours, who clean up any litter left behind."
Alan Walters has echoed the concerns about litter, showing some pickers he owns around the house: "We have collected 120 bottles of wine and alcohol in the field. It is very possible that more people will use it and leave rubbish behind."
The 81-year-old added: "It can be a nuisance. No one asked us if we want these improvements."
He has lived in the area for 50 years. He added: "It would increase traffic and litter. I just do not understand why they are doing this."
Julian Smailers, an IT consultant living in the area, said the money would be better spent on other issues. He added: "If some money needs to be invested in the area, we have other things that should be spent on."
He said that there is no footpath alongside Landmere Lane, creating a "real danger" to pedestrians. He added: "The underpass is not a safety concern at all. No one here is concerned about it."
The 59-year-old added: "I just do not see many people using this underpass anyway. It looks like a waste of money to me."
Nottinghamshire Live has previously reported that a campaign group, which includes Notts Area and Rushcliffe Ramblers, Pedals and the British Horse Society say the current crossing between the Wheatcroft and Nottingham Knight roundabout, just off Landmere Lane, needs to be improved.
National Highways has proposed a number of changes along the A52 as part of an improvement scheme, including at its Gamston roundabout and a notorious junction at Radcliffe-on-Trent.
National Highways project manager, Karen Green, said: “Safety is our priority and we’re aware of the concerns raised.
"We’re undertaking a study to look at options which will improve walking, cycling and horse-riding accessibility across the A52 between Nottingham Knight and Wheatcroft Roundabouts which could be delivered outside of the main scheme upgrade. We’re engaging with those who live locally to get their input on potential solutions.”
