More than 500 people turned out to attend a discussion of multi-million pound plans for more walking and cycling routes in Trafford last night.
The Active Neighbourhood plans for Urmston got an £11.3 million funding boost earlier this month from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Walking and Cycling Challenge Fund.
The event, held at The Venue, Urmston, was packed out and some people were turned away at the door as Greater Manchester Walking and Cycling Commissioner Chris Boardman and Trafford Council’s Coun Catherine Hynes addressed the room to discuss the plans in detail.
Chris Boardman wants to transform the Greater Manchester region by enhancing its cycle and walk routes through the Bee Network initiative.
These Urmston proposals are part of wider city-region plans that would link the area into what it is hoped will become the largest inner city walking and cycling route in the country.
The One Trafford Partnership – a collaboration between Trafford Council and its waste and services contractor Amey – had to bid for the mayor’s cash last year.
Now, walking and cycling routes have been proposed for Urmston, Flixton, Davyhulme East and Davyhulme West as part of the scheme and the plans aim to encourage those living nearby to use healthier and more sustainable transport options; particularly for shorter journeys.
As part of the event, virtual reality headsets were available to allow people to take a closer look at some of the ideas.
After the event, Chris Boardman said: “Blown away by the enthusiasm in Urmston for their first active neighbourhood consultation. The best bit is it’s theirs from start to finish. Well done to all involved, gives us huge motivation to get stuck in.”
Local councillors also showed their support.
Coun Michael Welton, Green Party councillor for Altrincham, said: “Scenes in Urmston! Must be 400+ at Urmston Active Neighbourhood launch. Unbelievable. Inspiring. This is what people want in their communities. Well done Trafford Council.”
Coun Dan Jerrome, Green Party councillor for Altrincham, said: “500 people attended and some were turned away.
“The appetite for creating safe streets for walking and cycling is massive. People know that we need to get out of our cars and can now start to see the ways to do it. Very exciting.”
People can find out more and have their say online about the plans here: https://urmstonactiveneighbourhoodmap.commonplace.is/
