A drop-in session is being organised for people to share their views on plans to improve an area of Crewe.
The proposals are being described as a ‘Mini-Holland’ scheme, and could see better routes for people who walk, cycle, or use public transport.
The idea behind it is to bring in Dutch-style cycling infrastructure, which could include traffic calming, segregated bike lanes as well as safety measures at junctions or even blocking cars from going down residential streets.
Cheshire East Council is one of 19 local authorities that has received funding from the Department for Transport to carry out a feasibility study into the concept, and the council has decided to focus on the south-west of Crewe town centre.
The area being considered is between Victoria Avenue in Crewe and Gresty Lane in Shavington.
It includes Woolstanwood, Wistaston Green, the area around Cheshire College South and West, as well as streets leading off Mill Street.
At the end of November, local residents, business owners and people who travel or work around the area were asked what challenges there are currently and what could be done to resolve these issues.
Now the council is inviting members of the public to attend a drop-in session at Crewe Lifestyle Centre on Saturday 21st January (10am-4pm) to share their ideas and discuss the plans.
Cllr Craig Browne, chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said: “Mini-Holland schemes improve how streets are used and aim to make them as pedestrian and cycle-friendly as their Dutch equivalents.
“Through our consultation we have already received some invaluable feedback and suggestions, and I would like to thank all those who have taken part.
“By holding this drop-in session, we hope to hear from even more people and those that attend will be able to speak to members of our project team, who will be on hand to answer any questions they may have.”
Measures introduced elsewhere in the country include creating new public spaces and redesigning street layouts.
They’ve sought to reduce people’s dependency on cars – which in turn lessens pollution, traffic and congestion.
The schemes in other areas have also seen streets transformed into places where people can interact and socialise, and they have made it safer for residents to make local journeys – such as to work or to access healthcare services.
As yet, no specific proposals have been put forward for Crewe, but the council is hoping the ideas that come from its consultation will help decide what initiatives would be useful.
To respond to the consultation, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/creweactivetravel and follow the link to fill in the online form by 31st January 2023.
