The Anonymous Widower

An Open Letter To The Lord Mayor Of Birmingham

My blood was boiling yesterday after struggling to get to the football at Birmingham and feel that this post is the best way to respond.

I am an Ipswich Town supporter who lives in London, so I came up to the match on Saturday, by Virgin Trains to New Street and then took the local train to Bordesley for St. Andrews.  I should also say, I’m 66 and had a serious stroke three years ago, but I don’t find walking a kilometre or so, much of a problem.

I know New Street station is in a state of reconstruction at the moment, but the information on how to get to Bordesley was non-existent at the station. It probably took me about twenty minutes to find anybody, who knew how to get there. Some signage and tourist information in the station would have helped.

I was eventually told to walk to Moor Street station and as there was only a few temporary signs outside, I got lost and it took me at least thirty minutes to get to the other station. The signs petered out and I ended up lost in the Bull Ring shopping centre. Judging by the number of people I saw in Ipswich Town football shirts, I wasn’t the only lost soul either. Some were getting a big edgy, but then Ipswich fans are generally a calm bunch.

I know Bordesley station isn’t the most modern, but at least the trains work well to get there.  However, the walk from the station to the ground, must be the most dangerous walk to get to any football ground from its local station in the UK. In the end fans have to rush a busy road and then a dual-carriageway, as there is no controlled crossing or any other help.

I wonder how many people will get seriously injured or even killed on that route in the next few years.

If Birmingham is serious in attracting business and tourism, then it should do something to make walking around the city, easier with more information and safe walking routes.

It is probably the worst major city in England for pedestrians.

September 1, 2013 - Posted by AnonW | Sport, Transport/Travel | Birmingham, Football, Trains, Walking