Low-traffic neighbourhoods planned for Cheadle

Residents in Cheadle and Cheadle Heath are being asked to share whether they would like to see residential parts of the districts converted into low-traffic Active Neighbourhoods.

The plans are part of a Greater Manchester-wide ambition to encourage walking and cycling for local journeys, as well as make residential streets safer by reducing traffic and rat-running.

In Stockport, areas of Cheadle and Cheadle Heath have been chosen to receive improvements, with the plans aligning with other local cycling and walking schemes. Plans will link with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s planned 1,800 miles of walking and cycling routes.

Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

Over the last decade traffic levels on main roads has barely risen, but journeys on residential streets have risen by a staggering 45% in Greater Manchester.

“That’s five billion more miles being driven every year past people’s front doors, mostly by people using what should be quiet neighbourhood streets as shortcuts and that’s not right. 

“Neighbourhoods should be first and foremost for the people who live there, they should feel safe and able to ride, scoot or simply walk to shops and schools in comfort if they choose to, we need to get those rights back. 

“By stopping through traffic but keeping full access to homes for people who need to go there, Active Neighbourhoods prioritise those that call it home. I’d like to encourage local residents in Stockport who want safe space outside their homes for them and their families, to get involved and tell us how they want their streets to look and feel.”

Low-traffic or Active Neighbourhoods prioritise the health and safety of residents and pedestrians over cars, and use planters and bollards to block off residential streets at one end to prevent through traffic.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: 

I am really excited by the potential of an Active Neighbourhood in Cheadle and Cheadle Heath. Active Neighbourhoods can not only make it easier to move around by foot or bike, but they can address issues residents feel passionate about: from rat-running to speeding down residential streets. 

“We’ve recently completed very successful engagement exercises on Active Neighbourhoods in the Heatons and Romiley and our officers are currently analysing the comments left by residents. 

“This engagement exercise will allow us to focus on issues Cheadle and Cheadle Heath residents raise. It’s also important the idea of an Active Neighbourhood has wide approval from residents, which we’ll find out through this exercise. 

“I really hope the Active Neighbourhood proposal will achieve wide support as the benefits go beyond those who just walk and cycle. By making our roads safer and less congested, the benefits can be felt by many across Cheadle and Cheadle Heath.”

Arup and Sustrans are working with local authorities in Greater Manchester and TfGM to deliver the low-traffic neighbourhoods. To share views on your street in Cheadle or Cheadle Health, complete the short online survey.