Consultation outcome and next steps
What you said and what we’re doing
Leaflets were distributed to properties in the area, including a questionnaire and return Freepost envelope. There was a consultation online, and four public events, which unfortunately had limited attendance due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
More than seventy comments were received, most relating to issues of speeding along Albert Street. This is where most of the proposed measures for phase one will be implemented, including traffic-calming measures, a road closure at Rylance Street, and an improved crossing into the park.
Other issues raised as part of the consultation included:
- Speed of vehicles on Grey Mare Lane – this is being considered as part of phase two work
- Rat running along Palmerston Street – this will be reduced by the proposed prohibition of a driving order on Albert Street at the junction with Rylance Street
- Speed of traffic along Rylance Street – this is being considered as part of phase two work.
The ward councillors were consulted and are supportive of the proposals. They have also asked for additional measures to be considered as part of future works.
Next steps
As a result of the comments we received, we have now split the measures into one urgent priority, followed by two more phases of work.
The first and imminent measure is the temporary closure of Albert Street at the junction with Rylance Street and Darley Street. Speeding and dangerous driving in this area was raised as one of the major concerns by people responding to the consultation. We are therefore planning to close Albert Street to vehicles at this point from Monday 26 October (with work beginning on Wednesday 21 October). Planters will be used for this temporary closure, and the impact of this change will be measured and reviewed.
You also told us that five of the other measures were the right thing in the right place, so we are planning to start putting these in place from December this year.
Phase 1
- Permanent improvements to the junction of Albert Street, Rylance Street and Darley Street following the temporary closure. Bollards will prevent motor vehicles from entering the area, and there will be trees planted, two-way cycle lanes and new crossings
- Improving the junction of Albert Street and Doric Close, narrowing the road and putting in a speed table / road hump to slow traffic
- Improving Albert Street between Charlesworth Street and Barmouth Street (near Bradford Park and Grange Community Centre). The existing crossing will be upgraded to a zebra crossing, with cycle bypass lanes
- Improving where Grey Mare Lane meets Bell Crescent. The current uncontrolled crossing will be upgraded to a parallel zebra crossing, which will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely at the same time
- Improving the crossing on Ashton New Road, near Swallow Street. The existing crossing will be upgraded to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely at the same time.
Future plans: Phase 2
Work on Phase 2 is due to begin by the end of June. We'll write to nearby properties with an update nearer the time. An overview of the proposals is:
Junction of Rylance Street/Athletes Way
The proposed junction outside Ashbury Meadows Primary School will be made into a raised table to help pedestrians crossing to and from the school and also to help reduce traffic speed along Rylance Street. Some drainage improvements will also be carried out with additional gullies provided.
Improvements to Albert Street (Parking management and traffic calming)
The proposed interventions along Albert Street include creating marked parking bays, grouped on alternate sides of the road to create a zig-zag to prevent speeding and to help protect footways from parked cars, which will be encouraged to use the parking bays provided. The section between the parking bays will be protected by “No Waiting at Any Time” restrictions.
Junction of Grey Mare Lane/Albert Street
The proposal is to improve links either side of the junction, which has community facilities on each side. It's been identified as a problem area for speeding, so part of the proposed work will narrow the existing radius of the junction and raise it, to slow traffic and improve safety for pedestrians. The proposed design includes two new trees.
Junction of Ashton New Road/Grey Mare Lane
The proposal is to create a gateway feature into the active neighbourhood area by narrowing the crossing width of the entry to Grey Mare Lane at its junction with Ashton New Road. This will also link to proposed improvements at the junction at Grey Mare Lane and Albert Street, helping to make this a more pedestrian-focused area.
Junction of Ashton New Road/Darley Street
The proposal is to create a gateway feature into the active neighbourhood area by narrowing the crossing width of the entry to Darley Street at its junction with Ashton New Road. Darley Street leads to the current road closure at the junction of Albert Street, creating a more pedestrian focused area.