Stockport Council sets out plans for three schemes to improve walking and cycling access

Stockport Council has launched consultations on three schemes in the borough that aim to make key routes safer and more accessible to those walking and cycling.

The three schemes, around the A6 in Heaton Norris, on Hempshaw Lane in Offerton, and connecting Woodley and the Bredbury Industrial Estate, aim to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, encourage more sustainable travel choices and maintain the performance of our existing transport network.

The proposed schemes would be paid for by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund: a national investment fund for local transport networks that aims to improve access for local businesses and organisations and help residents get to amenities in their communities.

In Heaton Norris, plans will see improvements to pedestrian crossings  introduction of a right turn off the A6 at Heaton Moor Road and creation of an east-west cycle route through the area including a new crossing over the A6, and will supplement the existing Heatons Cycle Link, connecting the Fallowfield Loop with the Transpennine Trail in Stockport town centre.

In Offerton, the council proposes improved pedestrian facilities at the Hempshaw Lane / Dialstone Lane / Banks Lane (Finger Post) junction and modifications to the Hempshaw Lane / Marple Road junction to improve the pedestrian crossing point.

Active travel enhancements in Woodley will make existing paths between Mill Lane / Stockport Road East and Bredbury Park Way better for walking and cycling, particularly for trips to work at Bredbury Park Industrial Estate. Improved walking and cycling links near Woodley precinct will also boost cycle access to the shops and Health Centre.

Full details of the proposals, including scheme descriptions and drawings, are online via Stockport Council’s consultation website at the links below:

• the A6 / Manchester Road / School Lane area (Heaton Chapel).
• Hempshaw Lane between St Thomas’ Recreation Ground and Marple Road.
• Woodley and connecting to Bredbury Park Way.

Stockport Council will also host drop-in events to give local residents and businesses the opportunity to learn more about the projects and share their views. Events will take place at:

• Tuesday 11^th October, 5-9pm, Stockport Lads Club (Hempshaw Lane, SK1 4NT).
• Wednesday 12^th October, 4-7pm, St Thomas’ CE Primary School (Wellington Road North, Heaton Chapel, SK4 4QG).
• Tuesday 18^th October, 3-8pm, Woodley Civic Hall (Hyde Road, Woodley, SK6 1QG).

The consultation on the proposals runs until 23rd October.