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Stockport Council has approved a package of improvements for walking and cycling in the Market Place and Underbanks Area of the town centre, following supportive public feedback for the proposals.
Over 500 responses were received to a public consultation in October on plans to reduce vehicle movements in the historic areas of Stockport town centre, and improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillors voted to approve the proposals at a meeting of the Central Stockport Area Committee, held on December 2nd.
In response to the consultation process, concerns raised by residents and local businesses over delivery arrangements and access for those with mobility issues have led to a number of adjustments to plans, including limiting the extent of some road closures, and increasing disabled parking and drop-off areas.
The scheme will result in new automatic bollards limiting access to the Market area between 10.30am and midnight Monday to Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, the restrictions would begin at 7am. The full-time closure of the Market Place in front of the Produce Hall would remain in place.
A section of Churchgate/Millgate will be closed to through traffic, which will create a traffic-free link between St Mary’s Church and the Market Place.
In addition, the scheme will see the closure of Bridge Street, Great Underbank and part of Little Underbank, from 10.30am to midnight Monday to Sunday. A section of Little Underbank will become two-way for vehicles between 4pm and midnight.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“I would like to thank all residents and businesses for taking the time to contribute during the recent consultation on this proposal.
“We’ve listened to those comments and made changes to the scheme that we feel creates a scheme that is balanced and will help everyone to enjoy the historic Markets and Underbanks when they come to shop, visit and enjoy our town centre.
“This will be a fantastic scheme for the town centre and will make it more inviting and safer for people to visit and enjoy the Market Place and the Underbanks.”
It is proposed that works would begin on the Market and Underbanks elements in early 2022.