American Embassy Traffic

The photograph published in the newsletter shows the devastation caused to Grosvenor Square by the construction works that now include Upper Brook Street and Upper Grosvenor Street which have been closed to traffic between Park Street and Grosvenor Square. This gives us some indication of what we can expect if and when they start on the construction programme for Crossrail.

The diversion signs for eastbound traffic guide motorists up to North Row but most drivers turn either into Lees Place or Green Street. There are no lights on any of the junctions with North Audley Street and difficulties arise when traffic streaming down from Baker Street meets the traffic exiting, North Row, Green Street and Lees Place. Queues frequently form at the junction with Green Street and totally unsuitable, large vehicles make use of Lees Place as a cut through.

Consequently, Martin Low and his colleagues from Westminster attended a Residents’ Society meeting to advise as to their intentions. Basically, these come down to 2 proposals:

Green Street being made one way from Park Street to North Audley Street; and a proposal to make Lees Place one way from North Audley Street to Park Street – no entry at Park Street.

This should keep traffic on the major thoroughfares without cars being able to take a rat run through Lees Place with approximately five turnings in doing so before they exit on North Audley Street.

The residents of Lees Place should be happy with this achievement and perhaps Green Street being made one way will alleviate jams in that thoroughfare.

The Residents’ Society if supportive of Martin Low’s intentions which will probably have been put into action by the time this Newsletter reaches you.

20th Century Blues

As if we don’t have enough problems with the American Embassy and the chaos that their construction works have wrought on the area but, God help us, the 20th Century Society want to have the building listed. This of course would protect it from demolition as and when the embassy finally relocates to more secure premises. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but surely there must be some absolute standards of what is ugly. I can only presume they want to retain this building as a warning to others.