Preserving Cambridge
SIR,—The Spectator of December 30th declares the new Cambridge town plan to be " as a whole, a large, imaginative, and practical conception." I wonder whether you have given due weight to certain considerations. It would cost a vast sum, for, apart from the new road-making, it would involve the demo- lition of much valuable property. It would involve the sacrifice of a large part of Christ's Pieces, one of the pleasantest features of Cam- bridge. This land was sold to the town by Jesus College on condition that it should remain for ever a public recreation-ground, and with its bowling-greens and bandstand it counts for much in the lives of the people. It would drive a road right through the grounds of Jesus College over land granted to the Priory of St. Radegund early in the twelfth century, and held by the college since its foundation in 1496. Such a proposal would have been unthinkable twenty years ago, and those colleges which view the sacrifice demanded of Jesus College with com- placency should reflect on the weight of a dangerous precedent.
The plan is entirely unnecessary. It is an exaggeration to describe the present congestion as intolerable. Since the introduction of the new scheme of one-way traffic it has been much relieved, and it could he still further relieved if the police would prohibit parking in the main streets. There is already a road, Victoria Avenue, made fifty years ago, which runs parallel to the proposed road and only some three hundred yards to the east. Surely more use could be made of that. But probably the final solution of Cambridge traffic problems will be found in the pro- vision of adequate parking-places on the outskirts of the town with a cheap and frequent service of small omnibuses to the shopping centre. To make huge parking-places for cars and omnibuses in the middle of the town can only make matters worse. I venture to, hope that the planners—and the Spectator—will think again.—Yours faithfully, [Space precluded us from saying more of the new road from Emmanuel, through Jesus grounds, to Castle Hill than that it was the most controversial feature of all." That statement may be emphasised. Full weight must be given to Jesus College's representations.—En., Spectator.]
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