By NATALIE GALLENTI
ALBION residents determined to see King Edward Ave remain open now have the support of a local politician.
Member for Western Metropolitan Region Bernie Finn has thrown his support behind the Albion Residents Action Group and called on the State Government and Regional Rail Link to defer its decision to close the frequently used street.
Mr Finn met with residents early last week and said after a lengthy discussion and viewing the area he was deeply concerned about the impact the closure would have on local motorists.
“If it can possibly be avoided it should be,” he said.
“The closure of King Edward Ave should be the absolute last resort. We should do everything to keep it open.”
Mr Finn said the decision to close King Edward Ave was like “throwing a spanner into the works”, and an alternative option needed to be found.
Resident Rod Beveridge, who has been campaigning to keep the street open, said while the grade separation was important for the area, the impact on Albion residents also needed to be taken into consideration.
“We don’t just want them to delay it (the road closure), we want more information and we want it to stay open,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Regional Rail Link Footscray – Deer Park Alliance said a number of options were considered for the road/rail separation but maintaining a connection between Anderson Rd and King Edward Ave was not viable.
The spokesperson said some permanent traffic management measures may be required in local roads through Albion to manage the change.
