Conservative Branch News
The Village Improvement Scheme - Update
The Poynton Village Improvement Scheme to revitalise Park Lane and Fountain Place is moving forward. English Landscapes have been chosen as the contractors to do the work.
Cheshire East and Poynton Town Councils have also set up a Business Advisory Group to keep local businesses informed and to hear any concerns. Several changes have been made since the exhibition in October 2009 after feedback from a variety of sources, including the Disability Advisory Group.
The Village Improvement Scheme is expected to cost £3.5 million and is mainly being funded by Cheshire East Council. Poynton Town Council is contributing £100,000. The Scheme is based on the principles of shared space, where car drivers, other road users and pedestrians share the same space. This approach has been pioneered successfully in Holland since the 1970’s and is now being introduced across the UK.
During construction, traffic will have to be diverted, but all efforts will be made to keep Park Lane at least partially open. Official notices have caused some confusion - for legal reasons, an order has been granted allowing the road to be closed over an 18 month period. This does not mean that it will be totally closed for 18 months.
Current plans are for the contractor to work along Park Lane from Waitrose in four sections: half the South side; half the North; half the South; half the North. There will be access to the areas not being worked on. Park Lane will only ever be totally closed for about 4-6 periods which are currently estimated to be no longer than 72 hours.
Health and Safety issues have an impact, as there are minimum separation distances between traffic and the workmen. This requires one way traffic movement, but it was felt that this is the best solution for the majority, and many of the traders are very keen to ensure that the road is kept open. The situation will be kept under review.
Local Councillor, Howard Murray, Chairman of the Revitalisation Steering Group, said;
“The meeting held in April had a positive outcome for all concerned. The traders were shown the latest concept designs for Poynton Village which included traffic modelling carried out by engineering experts Ove Arup. Altogether, this gave a good indication of what the traders and residents of Poynton can expect in Park Lane later this year, and in Fountain Place in 2011; a space in which traffic continues to flow, at slower speeds, with a safer and more appealing environment for pedestrians."
“We will do all we can to minimise disruption to local traders and residents as the work takes place. The result will be a modern, practical and safer thoroughfare which aims to serve pedestrians and other users in equal measure."
Keeping Poynton Clean
If you see any areas of litter, overgrown paths, graffiti or potholes, please contact the Town Council's Operations Officer, John Brooks. To contact John, please ring 872404 or e-mail: John.Brooks@PoyntonTownCouncil.gov.uk
Poynton Conservatives News 12 July 2010
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