Weston-super-Mare has been awarded £310,000 for two local projects to make the town center safer and reduce car use by improving walking and cycling routes.
The first project aims to develop a ‘livable neighborhood’ in central Weston where people can live within walking or cycling distance of work, shopping, entertainment and cultural venues. The second involves safer walking and cycling routes to local schools, such as Windwhistle and Bournville. Together the projects will help triple walking and cycling travel in North Somerset by 2030.
Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose welcomed the changes and said: ‘We all know it is healthier and more environmentally friendly to walk or cycle if possible, rather than go by car But that means designing our streets to be safe and welcoming spaces for everyone on foot or on two wheels.This government money will help create these safe and convenient routes, so that we can become healthier, more eco-friendly and save a little money on gas too!”
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The money has been granted by the government – with £2,000,000 earmarked for projects across the UK to create healthier, free local journeys to improve air quality and physical health and mental people. The government’s new executive agency, Active Travel England, will oversee the implementation of 134 world-class schemes, backed by £161million, which include new walkways, cycleways and crosswalks in 46 local authorities outside from London.
It comes as North Somerset Council plans to implement a package of measures as part of its ‘Reclaim Your Streets’ initiative which could see one-way systems introduced in Baker Street, Glebe Road and Wooler Road.
Among the changes, Stafford Road could be closed to through traffic or made one-way with a northern exit only and Baker Street could be made one-way. A 20mph speed limit could be introduced along Baker Street with a wider sidewalk in front of Christ Church Primary School. New cycle lanes are also planned on Milton Road with a westbound cycle lane on Baker Street.
A public consultation on the plans has now been launched with people encouraged to give their opinion. North Somerset Council Executive Member for Neighborhoods and Community Services Councilor Mike Solomon said: “The way people use town centers is changing and we need our streets and neighborhoods to reflect that.
“This is an opportunity for residents and businesses to shape what downtown residential streets look like and what we can do to make Weston a better place to live. It’s about making the streets a safer and better environment for the people who live there. The proposals will provide better walking and cycling routes rather than these areas being just duds for traffic. »
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-25 12:03:58
