Agenda item

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

This report provides results of a consultation on the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) proposals for an improved foot and cycle route between the Fallowfield Loop in Reddish and the Trans-Pennine Trail in Heaton Mersey. Key components include:

·         Surfacing and lighting of paths at Nelstrop Road and Meadow Gardens;

·         An upgraded Toucan crossing on the A6;

·         Cycle Improvements at Buckingham Road;

·         A new cycle access and improvements to Leegate Road;

·         Foot and cycle crossing improvements at Leegate Rd / Mauldeth Rd roundabout;

·         A cycle route on Kingsley Rd;

·         Surfacing and lighting of paths near Priestnall School;

·         Surfacing and lighting of paths at Heaton Mersey Common;

·         A new controlled crossing of Didsbury Road; and

·         Improvements to the Trans-Pennine Trail near Meltham Road.

The Area Committee is asked to recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) approve the schemes described in the report.

Officer Contact: Sally Laws on 0161 474 4923 or email: sally.laws@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a series of proposals to enhance the walking and cycling links on various roads and paths in the Heatons and providing the results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund proposals for an improved foot and cycle route between the Fallowfield Loop in Reddish and the Transpennine Trail in Heaton Mersey.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Concern was expressed in relation to who would be responsible for the maintenance of any trees in the development and would there be any proposed maintenance policy. In response, it was stated that the scheme was part of the capital fund, that needed to be spent by March 2022, however, the fund would not be carried over for maintenance schemes, but Transport for Greater Manchester and the Mayor are aware of the concerns.

·         Concern was expressed relating to traffic calming speed bumps and the access for cyclists along the routes. In response, it was stated that “speed cushions” were being looked at with a gap between the cushions for the cyclists to use.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the replacement for the gates and the proposed barriers and whether it would be fit for purpose. In response, it was commented that the gates and barriers were not yet designed but would need to be accessible for a double push-chair and a mobility scooter.

·         A discussion took place in relation to the breakdown of the costs in terms of each stage of the scheme and the opportunities for the community groups to get involved in the scheme across the area.

·         It was noted that a number of respondents to the consultation enquired about the “drawings” and be able to view in detail. In response, the Committee were informed that the “drawings were available for viewing on the website and at Fred Perry House and once finalised following the consultation, would be shared with Ward Councillors and other interested parties.

·         Clarification was sought in relation to the upgrade of Nelstrop Road North and if any discussions had taken place with Manchester City Council. In response, it was commented that discussions were ongoing with Manchester City Council who were happy with the proposals to date.

·         It was noted that the issues raised relating to maintenance of the trees and the pathway needed to be emphasised and that some sort of assurance needed to be given for a long-term maintenance budget to be put in place.

RESOLVED – (1) That the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses around the Heatons and Reddish area in relation to an improved foot and cycle route between the Fallowfield Loop in Reddish and the Transpennine Trail in Heaton Mersey be noted.

(2) That approval be given to Proposals A,B,D,E,G,I and L (as detailed in Section 3 of the report) and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix C of the report), insofar as they related to Local Distributor and Local Access Roads within their purview. and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

(3) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to Proposals C2, F1, H, J and K (as detailed in Section 3 of the report) and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix C of the report), insofar as they related to Strategic Highways and District Distributor Roads, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.