Bohemia Village Voice

Local opinion from Clarence Road

Residents of Clarence Road had their say about local topics when our street-by-street survey of local opinions came down their way recently. 37% of the questionnaires were returned, (13 out of 35), and our thanks go to those people, especially the ones who added other comments.
Of those who responded, over 90% said they like living in Bohemia, and 85% think it is a friendly neighbourhood. “We’re lucky living in this area as we’ve got the Park,” said Mrs Wood, “The road is as quiet as a mouse when there’s no school traffic.” 
A full 100% said they like to see street bobbies patrolling, though one said that though they would like it they haven’t ever seen any.
It’s good to find that over 90% of respondents shop in Bohemia at least once a week, and that 70% would use a post office in Bohemia if there was one. Only 23% said they would not use a local post office. The high percentage in favour suggests that the current climate of post office closures is totally unrelated to what the people want.
Opinions on ASDA are more or less split, with 46% not in favour, and 39% looking forward to it opening. One person said that they are “totally against ASDA and told them so on their consultation leaflet.”
Support for installing a traditional red phone box in Bohemia is high (80%), with only 15% against the idea. S. Collinson added, “I don’t like the thought that we’re losing all this country is known for and merging with Europe. Red phone boxes, black cabs…”
46% think that Bohemia needs a proper community centre, 23% think that it does not, and 31% don’t know. Only 15% regularly attend one of Bohemia’s churches.  
Almost everyone (92%) thinks that the architectural features of Bohemia should be preserved. S. Collinson spoke warmly of all the different old shop fronts and their variety of architectural details. She added “It’s time to do something about Bohemia Road. It’s the main entrance to the town – something to encourage businesses.”
CLEANING
Everyone (100%) said they are satisfied with the level of street lighting, but only 31% are satisfied with the standard of street cleaning, while 54% are dissatisfied, and 23% voiced no opinion either way. Mrs Wood said that “since Veolia took over, the road only gets swept about once a month, but it used to be OK before that when there was a man with a broom.” She spoke of the hazards caused by Veolia’s cleaning machine taking up the whole width of the pavement, so that pedestrians had nowhere to pass. “A little boy had to run into the road to avoid it. I phoned the council and complained.” 
Mr & Mrs Harbord pointed out that the street drains need seeing to and said that they have not been touched for years. 80% agreed with us that people who let their dogs foul the pavement should be put in the village stocks, though 23%, surprisingly, disagreed. Let’s hope the Borough-wide clean-up being organised by Neighbourhood Renewal makes a real difference, and that it becomes an ongoing thing, not just a once-off.
NORTH STAR
One resident complained about the local pub, the North Star, saying that there was “on one occasion  vomit on the pavement and wall….There are always take-away food containers lying around, and due to the smoking ban we now have fag-ends, and cigarette packets, as well as mobile phone users talking loudly under our bedroom window.” However, another resident said “There was once trouble with the pub, but it is now very good.” Dave Scarth, manager of the North Star, said that he sweeps up the fag-ends every day when necessary, and there are also bins on the wall for people to use. He said if there was any vomit outside his premises, he would swill down the pavement, but added “vomit is usually after they’ve had food – and we don’t do food.” He continued, “I check on a lot of things. I walk round the pub to check the music is not too loud. If you mix drink and people, people talk loudly. I can ask them to talk quietly when they’re outside, but that’s all.” He added, “I keep in touch with the people who live next door to check that everything is OK.”
GATE
Most people at the top of Clarence Road (north of Upper Park Road) made a point of saying they want a locked gate at the park end of Clarence Road to restrict vehicular access after dark, and “prevent fly-tipping, dumped cars, and illegal motorbike riding.” [See separate article, p 1]. One person complained that this part of the road is not suitable for pedestrians.
A resident complained about illegal parking and illegal use of disabled bays, “where the drivers on their own put on display blue badges that do not belong to them.”
On the question of public transport, 54%, presumably car-owners, said they don’t know whether the bus services are good or adequate, while 39% are satisfied with the buses – one person thinks the service is poor.
Finally, 92% regularly read the Bohemia Village Voice. One resident added “Village Voice is an excellent magazine, local, very informative, a pleasure to read; and the person who delivers it always shuts the gate after them!” Mrs Wood said, “You’re doing a good job with Bohemia Village Voice!”

Clarence Road from Newgate Road end

Clarence Road looking towards Newgate Road. The North Star pub and Upper South Road are on the right.