Plans announced for King Street's future (From Knutsford Guardian)
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Plans announced for King Street's future
8:30am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News
By James Wilson
KNUTSFORD Town Plan has recommended a plan for the overhaul and improvement of one of Knutsford’s busiest streets – but it will not take place until 2016 at the earliest.
The working group of Knutsford Town Plan showcased the results of its King Street enhancement work – which began as a consultation at the town’s civic centre in April – at the full council meeting of Knutsford Town Council on Monday, September 3.
At an exhibition the group asked townsfolk their opinions on three options for the street. The first option was to pedestrianise the central section of the street for part of the day, with the next two options – 2A and 2B – allowing vehicles to enter at all times by providing a ‘shared space’ scheme or by giving pedestrian’s the priority on the street by installing ‘proper’ footpaths.
Chris Oakley, a member of the group, presented the results on Monday, which showed 571 responded to the consultation. He said 88 per cent had agreed that something should be done to the street, with the majority choosing option 2A and 2B in their ‘top two’ choices.
Chris told the council it was clear option one was not favoured and that the town council should go to Cheshire East Council with the shared space or pedestrian priority plan in anticipation of money becoming available.
“This has been about getting a scheme right for when money, example section 106, becomes available,” he added.
Chris added the original 2004 Local Plan policy to pedestrianise the street with service roads and the Knutsford Town Plan Proposal recommending pedestrianisation should be withdrawn.
Clr Peter Raynes added: “The recommendation in this report should be given consideration in the new Knutsford Town Strategy.”
Bob Quin, chairman of the working group, said: “Our remit had been the enhancement of King Street and in producing this report two vital factors had been ever in our minds.
“First of all to maintain the unique character of this little town, and second that whilst minority groups, for example, disabled people, mums with prams, senior citizens, the blind etc, must be catered for, no change must ever seriously disadvantage any user of King Street.
“We believe the recommendations would, when completed, enhance the street and bring some degree of benefit to all users.”
Councillors agreed that the report from the town plan should be integrated into the borough council-led Knutsford Town Strategy, with a hope of implementing it in 2016.
What do you think of Knutsford Town Plan’s recommendation for the future of King Street? Let us know by emailing yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk.
Read the full report on our website by following the link below.
