Neighborhood life in Narbonne: the feeling of abandonment of the inhabitants and shopkeepers of the avenue de Toulouse
On this axis that leads to the city center, residents and traders will want to see their living environment improved. The development of sidewalks and parking spaces, as well as the state of the roads are pointed out.
“It’s a quiet and pleasant neighborhood. The people are nice and say hello to you in the street”. Alain, 63, has chosen to move into a small street overlooking Avenue de Toulouse. Between avenue de Bordeaux and place des Pyrénées, this ax serves the entrance to Narbonne towards the city centre. The inhabitants believe that the avenue could be better laid out, for their daily comfort “and to give a better image of the city”.
Sidewalks, parking and cleanliness points
The sidewalks in particular are difficult to use. At the top of the avenue, odd side, “The sidewalks are rutted by the roots of plane trees and cars are encroaching. Impossible to pass with a stroller, a wheelchair or even a wheeled bag for shopping: you have to walk on the road. It’s very dangerous because of the speed of traffic”. Alain recognizes it, “It’s a little better on the other side of the avenue. But why did you redo the Place des Pyrénées to turn it into a roundabout and stop there? I’ve lived in Narbonne since 1996 and I haven’t never seen work on this avenue”.
“Avenue de Toulouse could be much more beautiful”
Without speaking “vacuum cars that no one ever comes to verbalize, and garbage cans lying around from right to left. However, there would be room to install buried containers. As for the recycling bin for glass, it is located too far away and that does not encourage residents to sort”. Another concern, “this zebra crossing which leads directly to a parking space, and the absence of traffic lights to allow pedestrians to cross”. For the inhabitants, “All this devalues the neighborhood and we have the impression of being neglected. Whereas the avenue de Toulouse could be much more beautiful. Because these are black spots that we could easily resolve”.
A lady over 70 fell, I had to call the fire brigade
While several brands have taken up residence along the avenue, shopkeepers often share the same sentiment as the locals. Malek, 32, wanted to open a pizzeria. “But the sidewalk is in such poor condition that it is impossible to build a suitable terrace. I had to change my project, I am going to open a telephone store”. He even assures that his mother, “62-year-old twisted her ankle because of the state of the sidewalks. A lady over 70 also fell and I had to call the fire brigade. It’s serious the image of the entrance to our beautiful city!”.
Has the town hall planned any improvements to improve daily life and meet the expectations of local residents? We asked the question. Our request went unanswered.