Consultation launched on Bee Network cycling and walking schemes in Tameside

TAMESIDE residents are invited to have their say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes as part of the Greater Manchester Bee Network.

A consultation is underway on three schemes – Stamford Drive to Granville Street (Stalybridge and Ashton), Clarendon Road (Audenshaw) and Rayner Lane (Droylsden and Audenshaw).

The proposed schemes have been designed to improve walking and cycling connections to give people more opportunities to choose active travel for their day-to-day journeys.  Walking and cycling are not only better for both physical and mental health, helping people keep fit and active, they are also better for the environment by reducing congestion and improving air quality, and can help people save money when travelling, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

The consultation has been launched to give residents an opportunity to help improve the schemes and their neighbourhood.

The Stamford Drive to Granville Street scheme aims to reduce the volume and speed of traffic on the residential streets between Currier Lane and Stamford Drive, via Granville Street, Rutland Street, Corkland Street and Frederick Street. The scheme aims to reduce the number of vehicles cutting through and will introduce a number of improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including a new signalised crossing of Clarence Street.

The scheme proposes to introduce a closure of Frederick Street to motor vehicles, at the junction with Clarence Street. This will prioritise the movement of pedestrians and cyclists, with a new toucan crossing of Clarence Street to improve safety and accessibility between Frederick Street and Stamford Drive. Local traffic will be able to access the local neighbourhood via Granville Street. Currier Lane and Stamford Drive had wooden planters installed two years ago to prevent speeding traffic and open the roads up to pedestrians, bicycles and wheelchairs, and residents have spoken about how the streets are quieter, safer, less polluted and more tranquil.

The Clarendon Road scheme, in Audenshaw, will provide a new crossing of Audenshaw Road, connecting Clarendon Road with Kershaw Lane, prioritising safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme would connect with cycle and pedestrian routes towards the Fallowfield Loop, connecting to the south of Manchester City Centre, and improve links to the Ashton Canal, the Snipe Retail Park and residential areas in Droylsden and Audenshaw.

The Rayner Lane scheme would provide an improved off-highway cycle and pedestrian route between the Ashton Moss Metrolink stop on Lord Sheldon Way and Heron Drive and a cycle/pedestrian route on the Audenshaw old railway line via filtered access points. The scheme forms an important linkage in a wider, safe and integrated cycle network in the north west of Tameside.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Gerald Cooney said: “These proposed Bee Network schemes will make it easier, safer and more attractive to travel on foot or by bike, helping people make walking and cycling the first choice for short journeys or to get to public transport.

“Residents in the borough are best placed to know what their neighbourhoods need, so I encourage you to have your say to help create a safer, healthier and greener environment for everyone.”

The active travel Bee Network vision was unveiled in 2018 as a 10-year, £1.5 billion plan to create 1,800 miles of cycling and walking routes and 2,400 new crossings connecting neighbourhoods, schools, high streets and public transport hubs in the city-region. This work will be supported by the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, a £160m programme that will deliver elements of the Bee Network.

Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/MCF.

The consultation runs from Monday 12 December 2022 to Saturday 14 January 2023. To take part, please visit:

• Stamford Drive to Granville Street (Stalybridge and Ashton):  www.tameside.gov.uk/mcf/stamforddrive
• Clarendon Road (Audenshaw): www.tameside.gov.uk/mcf/clarendonroad.
• Rayner Lane (Droylsden and Audenshaw): www.tameside.gov.uk/mcf/raynerlane

Alternatively, the plans can be viewed at Ashton Library, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH.  Open 8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon/Wed/Fri), 8:30am – 8:00pm (Tue/Thu), and 10:00am to 3:00pm (Sat).  Closed Fri 23^rd Dec to Mon 2^nd Jan, inclusive.