QueenMab

We went to Provence on the Eurostar, it was great. I would recommend booking first class if you can, it's probably cheaper than a plane and the food you get is amazing. It's also great for a large family group, we had two tables across from each other so we could play cards, chat etc. It was so relaxing. Journey back less so as we had to go through passport control in Lille but I would follow the advice above about booking the return journey from the French Eurostar booking to smooth out any potential problems.

I assumed the reason they go all the way across was for the benefit of visually impaired people, so they know where the crossing is. But to be honest I can't see how where they are currently placed would help those with visual impairments, the whole area is a massive hazard to that population who deserve better facilities. Also, those type of crossing tiles do not go all the way across roads designed for cars, so I can see it would be very confusing for the visually impaired. Let's hope it's redesigned correctly so that it's safe for all users.

Well I reported the fact that the pedestrian "crossing" tiles have been laid in the wrong orientation, and the local counsellor got onto it and I've been assured that the original contractors are going to put it right. Let's see. The way the crossing sections are laid out makes no sense to me. I don't know whether it's a problem of design or implementation.

I agree, it's a horrible section of road, not helped by a few bends which make it hard to see ahead and where the relative narrowness of the road forces drivers to endanger cyclists by passing too close.

Yes but other tactile surfaces are acceptable, eg studs.

I've actually found this document from TFL regarding standards for materials used in cycle paths, and it specifically states that the use of these "corduroy" surfaces "should never be laid in line with cycle movement as it can destabilise riders". https://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/lcds-chapter7-construction.pdf I guess I will get in touch with the relevant people and see about getting this fixed as it's clearly unsafe.

Has anyone else noticed that the newly installed yellow, ridged crossing tiles across Green Dale feel a bit slippy to cycle over? They feel a bit perilous to me, and this is before they have even got wet. I can foresee someone coming off their bike along there before long, as I'm sure that they are an unsuitable surface for bicycles. Would be interested to know about other cyclists' experience along there.

Yeah that was their old policy. Their new policy is to force you to have a water meter and if you refuse they put you on a punitively high tariff which effectively forces you to have one. I was doing well with my policy of polite resistance which was to say yes fine I'll have one fitted but then not actually book an appointment or cancel the appointments they made. But then I was persuaded that it would be much cheaper anyway.

I got a water meter installed last year. I was told it would work out cheaper but it has turned out to be more expensive (we are only a 2 person household). I would hold off getting a meter wherever possible.

So long as people don't confuse the stories in their heads with reality, it's fine.

As far as I'm aware, they HAVE changed a lot since 2023 with regard to safeguarding, including the safeguarding lead leaving and being replaced. However I'm not sure this is the place to have the discussion, as the Forum is going to end up dealing with defamation issues if people have to be specific with evidence to back to their claims, or else people are talking in such vague terms as to make the discussion pointless.