MEASURES to encourage walking and cycling along a busy route for Middlewich schoolchildren are being considered by Cheshire East Council.

Nine projects have already been confirmed across the borough, while a further eight are in the pipeline, thanks to a £619,000 funding pot from the Government.

None of the first nine schemes are in Middlewich, but St Ann's Road is being considered for measures to boost active travel in the second phase of the project.

Cllr Mike Hunter, Labour CEC member for Middlewich and town council chairman, hopes it will be just the start of a raft of measures to improve walking and cycling links across town.

Knutsford Guardian:

He said: "It is still being planned at the moment, it will go out to ward members and the town council will consider it.

"I welcome any initiative that increases cycling and walking within the town and the surrounding area.

"It helps to reduce congestion and emissions that are pumped in the air."

The move follows recent submissions by town and parish councils across the borough, as well as CEC members, of more than 500 ideas of what measures could work in their local area.

Ideas will be discussed between ward councillors and parish councils, with possible changes that could be delivered in the coming weeks including:

  • Pop-up cycle lanes, with protected spaces for cycling
  • Measures to reduce rat-running in streets
  • Improved walking and cycling routes to school
  • Safer junctions, with the potential for bus and cycle-only corridors
  • Implementing lower speed limits, and
  • Wider pavements, which also enables social distancing.

Cllr Suzie Akers Smith, CEC's walking and cycling champion, said: “Ditching the car and taking up daily active travel is good for your health, good for the environment and good for promoting social distancing to combat Covid-19.

Knutsford Guardian:

"Creating a safe environment will encourage people out of their cars and be more active. It also helps make our town centres safer and more attractive places to visit, spend time and spend money.

"There has never been a better time to walk or cycle – especially shorter journeys included as part of our daily activity – and this really helps to forge greener habits, to reduce congestion, improve air quality and help fight climate change.

"Being bold in these measures may attract additional funding from government and we welcome feedback both positive and negative on the measures being proposed."

What do you think? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk