Binley Road

The road was widened some time between 1889 and 1906. Previously the road had been flanked by wide borders probably made up of a dirt path and a separating grass verge (as seen in other areas). They expanded the road, removing some or all of the verge, leaving the paths next to the road, probably with a kerb stone by then. At the same time they ran tram lines up the middle. To the east they terminated at the Bull's Head Inn and the stocks in Stoke Green? In the other direction it split at Far Gosford Street with one line heading up Paynes Lane and the other heading to Lower Ford Street. The two lines joined up again at Hales Street.

Febuary 1973, The Bull's Head, Binley Road, and garage opposite. Anyone still collect Green Shield stamps! Other than that, has much changed I wonder? I remember my grandmother Sarah (Sadie) Walker mentioning going off to the nearby 'Empress Buildings' row of shops to buy something often, I think her hairdresser was there?

Apart from the garage now being a Lidl and an Iceland, I don't think much has. Empress Buildings still look the same, though a few of the businesses are different. Pub looks much the same. I think there is only one pillory now though. Might look quite different soon though as there's a lot of work about to start on Binley Road to introduce a cycle lane and lights at some junctions.

Today saw a visit to our car dealer in Coventry and, whilst the vehicle was being attended to, a trip into town on the no.86 bus. Just wondering what "they" are doing on Binley Road - there seems to be road works along almost all of its length from Copsewood Grange to Stoke Green, and not simply resurfacing. Any knowledge out there???

Hi MR, looking on Google, looks like they are putting in a cycleway.

Thanks, Anne - that's led me to find this article - "waste of money"?

It's what they've done all along Hollyfast Road/Barker Butts Lane/Coundon Road, Cliff. It caused carnage when it was going in and there is still hardly any cyclists using it (and I ride a bike on occasions!). Complete waste.

I was talking to someone the other day whose parents live on Barkers Butts Lane. She said parking is terrible, and her dad thought he was the only one who used the cycle lane!