People are being invited to have their say to help shape plans for two new multi-million-pound pedestrian and cycling schemes in Bolton.
The proposed schemes for Westhoughton and Astley Bridge and Crompton have been developed as part of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s £160million ‘Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund’.
They would form part of the Bee Network, which aims to create the largest cycling and walking network in the UK.
Consultation starts today and lasts for three weeks. The council says the aim of both projects is to increase active travel and create safe, pleasant and healthy environments in the neighbourhoods.
This could be done through looking to stop unnecessary ‘rat-running’ to prevent drivers cutting through neighbourhoods, as well as improving the experience of getting around on foot or by bicycle.
Bolton Council has been working with the local Active Travel Forum and Transport for Greater Manchester to develop schemes, and says it now wants to hear from more people about the plans.
Proposals for the £5.8m Westhoughton and £9m Astley Bridge and Crompton Active Neighbourhood schemes could include:
• traffic calming, new signage and road surface markings
• new and upgraded pedestrian and cycle crossings on both residential roads and main roads
• changes to the traffic priority on some residential streets to support pedestrians and cyclists
• segregated cycle routes and upgrading footpaths.
To have your say visit: https://westhoughtonfilteredneighbourhoodmap.commonplace.is/ or https://astleybridgecromptonfilteredneighbourhoodmap.commonplace.is/.
Stuart Haslam, Executive Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We want to make it easier for people to move around these areas by foot or bike, without, of course, hindering responsible motorists who are driving in these areas.
“We welcome people’s views on these projects and the more comments we receive the more it will help us to shape and develop the schemes.
“We will look at the feedback we receive and there will be another opportunity for consultation as more detailed plans are drawn up.”
Following the scoping and development phase, the council will seek the funding needed to bring each scheme forward for implementation.