KNUTSFORD’S draft Neighbourhood Plan has moved one step closer following the analysis of initial survey results.

The consultation, undertaken in September and October, has been considered by the working groups responsible for each of the nine key areas of the plan.

Split into nine key areas, the survey asked for feedback on issues including those surrounding health, community places, housing, heritage and environment as well as transport, education and the town centre.

Ninety-seven per cent of residents published cited improvement to safety and efficiency of the transport network, as a priority in terms of development within the town.

Other priorities included reducing congestion, which 96 per cent of respondents would like to see, improving and developing pedestrian and cycle networks and ensuring easy access of public transport across Knutsford.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan committee, said “On behalf of everyone involved in the development of the plan I would like to thank all those who took the time to respond to this survey.

“We are now working with our appointed consultants, Urban Imprint, to review the responses and use this information to draw up a vision, objectives and policies for the draft Neighbourhood Plan.”

The consultation received approximately 750 responses out of 6150 sent out, which has a response rate of around 12 per cent.

Adam Keppel-Garner, Knutsford Town Clerk, said: “Urban Imprint have told us that this is a good response rate given the number of consultations there have been recently but naturally we always wish to engage with as many residents as possible and would love to see more residents engaging with the Neighbourhood Plan as it progresses.”

The town council is urging anyone who still wishes to get involved with the plan on a voluntary basis, to contact the clerk via townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653929.

The full data for the survey can be found at knutsfordnp.org.uk