13/09/2011 - Permalink

Oswestry set to receive a share of sustainable transport funding

Related topics: Community

Oswestry is set to receive a share of a £5m grant awarded to Shropshire Council by the Department for Transport for the Shropshire Sustainable Transport Package.
 
Money will be spent over the next four years to improve facilities for walking and cycling, better manage traffic in the town and encourage more sustainable travel, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions and helping to support the local economy.
 
Initiatives that will benefit the town could include:

  • Development of a footpath/cycleway alongside the Cambrian Railway line through the town; in a manner that will also permit the development of the line for heritage railway use.  This is part of a longer term aspiration to link Oswestry town and Gobowen with both a walking and cycling route and rail services.
  • Other improvements for pedestrians and cyclists around the town, including improved route signage and cycle parking facilities
  • Improvements to traffic signal working and pedestrian facilities at the at the Church Street/ Brook Street junction
  • Consideration of further improvements in the area to the south of the town centre to improve pedestrian access and better manage traffic movements
  • Work with local schools to encourage more suitable travel to schools and further enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety skills
  • Initiatives to boost sustainable tourism including tourism based around walking and cycling, and encourage public transport use
  • Encouragement for car sharing and the possible creation of a town based car club enabling residents to have access to a car or second car when required without the hassles of car ownership

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said:

“I am really excited about this project and the benefits it will bring to Oswestry.  We are really keen for local people to get involved to help steer the project to ensure the work fulfils local needs and aspirations.”

A public meeting is being held on Thursday 15 September 2011, at 7pm, in the Cambrian Room, Oswestry Memorial Hall, Smithfield Road, to provide further information on the project and listen to local ideas.  Everyone is welcome.

For further information please click this link.