Shrewsbury northern gateway enhancement to be discussed at The Severn Loop LJC

Shrewsbury residents will be asked to support plans to enhance the town’s ‘northern gateway’ at a meeting of The Severn Loop Local Joint Committee (LJC) tonight (Wednesday 2 May 2012) at 7pm at The Guildhall. 

The scheme, which went out to consultation in March 2012, will cost around £1.6million and will funded entirely by external sources. 

Key proposals include landscaping and lighting, plus new pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities, wider pavements, relocation of bus stops, changes to on-street parking and upgraded traffic signals around Shrewsbury railway station and the Chester Street gyratory system. 

Detailed plans can be seen by clicking here.

Shropshire Councillor Anne Chebsey, Chair of The Severn Loop LJC, said:

“The two-day public consultation event at The Gateway was a huge success and over 100 people gave their feedback about the scheme. The summary of feedback shows strong support for all the key proposals. 

“I’d encourage as many residents as possible to come along and hear more about it, plus the additional proposals which were added following the consultation.” 

The Northern Gateway Enhancement Scheme aims to: 

• Create a more welcoming environment for this area
• Put in crossings to make it safer for people to cross the roads
• Provide more space for walking and cycling to make it easier for people to walk and cycle into the town centre
• Reduce delays to local and long distance bus services
• Cut congestion (particularly on Coton Hill) by managing traffic flows 

Shropshire Council has been successful in securing grant funding towards this project including:

• Growth Point funding (from Department of Communities and Local Government)
• Local Sustainable Transport Fund funding (from Department for Transport)
• Connect2 funding (from Big Lottery fund). 

Further information 

1. Growth Point 

This scheme is part funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government through the Shrewsbury Growth Point programme.  Shrewsbury was awarded Growth Point status in 2006, and given £6m for infrastructure projects and essential studies to support sustainable growth in the historic town of Shrewsbury. 

Within the overall Shrewsbury Vision, there is a comprehensive vision for the northern corridor; to create a vibrant and distinct corridor that can act as a prime gateway into Shrewsbury, whilst supporting and fulfilling the local needs to promote a sustainable community.  A key part of the corridor is the Chester Street gyratory system, and the Railway Station. 

2. Local Sustainable Transport Fund 

In July 2011 the Department for Transport announced that it will award Shropshire Council £4.99 million.  The money must be spent over the period 2011/15 on sustainable transport measures which meet the objectives of supporting and boosting the local economy, and cutting carbon emissions. 

The Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project is targeted on Ludlow, Oswestry and Shrewsbury and includes measures to bring about changes in travel behaviour and greater use of more sustainable transport such as walking, cycling and public transport, and better traffic management. 

3. Connect2 

This scheme is also part funded by the Big Lottery.  Shrewsbury is one of 79 places across the UK which has been chosen to receive Connect2 funding from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.  Sustrans’ Connect2 is funded by a £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant after the UK public voted the scheme the winner of The People’s Millions Lottery contest in December 2007. 

The focus of Connect2 in Shrewsbury is a riverside promenade along Smithfield Road and a pedestrian/cycle crossing at Welsh Bridge, linking the traffic-free route through The Quarry to the bus and railway stations.