Bird's Eye View
Page 53
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March on...
This is the story of the March Trading Estate in East Anglia. I have just received a beautifully designed brochure expounding the advantages of this transfer terminal. It is described as "a unique concept in integrated freight storage, distribution and industrial development."
The plans include the provision of a security lorry park, vehicle service station, drivers accommodation, motel, shopping, bank and recreation facilities. I've read all this before I thought, then it came in a flash — Garonor in France, the place CM visited and reported on almost seven years ago.
So what's unique about the March Trading Estate, perhaps only the fact that it's still a concept or that ifs in East Anglia. In fact I understand the brochures were even in circulation before planning permission had been granted.
If it lives up to its promise, then MTE will be good — but promises never seem to look the same in retrospect.
Woolly story
I'm sure London Transport must be grateful to the British Wool textile industry for presenting 25 sets of carpet for the Silver Jubilee buses that will run in London for seven months from April.
But passengers in London are, however, a mucky lot with cigarette ends and chewing gum, and I wonder how much of the carpet will survive to be "evaluated for wear, soiling, maintenance and cleaning."
However the wool industry believe that they will, so all I can say is -Good luck LT, good luck British Wool" and keep my fingers crossed for a successful trial. I'm all for anything to make public transport more attractive.