You Said, We Did - Bee Network Walking and Cycling Schemes consultations

 

Tameside residents were invited to have their say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes as part of the Greater Manchester Bee Network. Three schemes were covered – Stamford Drive to Granville Street (Stalybridge and Ashton), Clarendon Road (Audenshaw) and Rayner Lane (Droylsden and Audenshaw).

The proposed schemes have been designed to improve walking and cycling connections to give people more opportunities to choose active travel for their day-to-day journeys.  Walking and cycling are not only better for both physical and mental health, helping people keep fit and active, they are also better for the environment by reducing congestion and improving air quality, and can help people save money when travelling, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.


In total, 321 responses were received.
 
Clarendon Road Audenshaw – The consultation for this scheme generated 245 responses.  A significant number of residents and businesses expressed strong concerns, which related to a range of issues but focused mainly on the closure of Clarendon Road and the availability of suitable alternative routes.
 
Rayner Lane – Only a small number of responses, 8 in total, were received to the proposals for this scheme with no objections or significant concerns expressed.
 
Stamford Drive to Granville Street – 68 responses were received in total, including both support as well as objection to the proposed scheme.  Overall 51% expressed either positive feedback or no specific preference.
 

All of the feedback has been carefully analysed and a detailed consultation outcome report has been produced. Where appropriate, changes have been made to the scheme designs as a result of the consultation feedback.


Clarendon Road Scheme, Audenshaw

• Despite a strong strategic fit in support of a new crossing of Audenshaw Road, we have listened to the feedback and the concerns expressed about the wider impacts.  We have therefore decided to deprioritise development of this scheme at the present time.
• Based on the feedback received it is acknowledged that for the scheme to progress, further community engagement and design development would be required in order to address the issues identified and to secure a greater level of support.

 
Rayner Lane
 

• Changes have been made to the scheme design to improve accessibility whilst restricting unwanted vehicular movements on private land and to reduce the likelihood of motor vehicles blocking the public right of way.
• The link towards the Ashton Moss Metrolink stop has been reviewed, including engagement with Metrolink staff, resulting in changes to the interface with the tram network to improve safety.
• Engagement with a local sports club has resulted in changes to the fence line to improve the scheme design and improve accessibility to this community asset.

 
Stamford Drive to Granville Street
 

• A number of changes have been made to the design, including those identified below, to address some of the issues raised through the consultation.
• Measures are now proposed to control the speed of vehicles entering Reyner Street, by reducing the carriageway width, and by introducing a raised table crossing to improve pedestrian connectivity.
• The proposed changes to the junction of Granville Street and the A635 Stamford Square have been removed from the scheme.  The existing two-lane exit from this residential community will therefore be retained.