23/10/2008 - Public asked for views on Whitehaven revamp

People are being asked for their views on traffic flow options that will transform Whitehaven town centre.

Whitehaven Regeneration - a partnership of Cumbria County Council, Copeland Borough Council, Westlakes Renaissance, Copeland Homes, English Partnerships and The Land Restoration Trust –is committed to securing a more prosperous future for Whitehaven and as part of this vision the partners are looking at making the town's traffic system more suitable for today’s needs.

Four traffic flow options have been drawn up and there will now be a six-month consultation and engagement period aimed at capturing the views of people living and working in Whitehaven.

The existing town centre road network is a legacy of Whitehaven’s industrial past, but looking to the future the aim is to create an attractive environment that supports the local economy, encourages tourism and improves pedestrian links between the town centre and harbour area.

Three public meetings during November and December will feature presentations and provide people with the opportunity to view each of the options as well as give comments, while an interactive exhibition for three days in November is set to take visitors on an interactive tour through each of the four proposals.

The key issues for developing a town centre traffic system for the future include:

•Access to the town centre for all users

•Economic impact

•Flexibility for the present and the future.

•Safety

•Environmental quality

Cllr Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member responsible for area based regeneration, said: "This consultation period is a great opportunity for the people of Whitehaven to have their say in developing their town for the future.

"These options have been produced to start a community debate about things like congestion, safe traffic flow, pedestrian safety and easy pedestrian access between the shopping harbour and residential areas of the town.

"We hope as many people as possible get involved."

Notes

The interactive exhibition takes place at the United Reformed Church Hall, Market Place, Whitehaven, from 12noon-6pm on November 20 and November 21 and 9.30am-12.30pm on November 22.

Public meetings have been scheduled for:

November 12 - South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Forum, Mirehouse Community Centre, 7pm.

November 27 Hillcrest & Hensingham Neighbourhood Forum, St John’s Church Hall, Hensingham, 6.30pm

December 2 –Bransty & Harbour Neighbourhood Forum, Bransty Legion, 7pm.

There will also be an ongoing display in Whitehaven’s Daniel Hay Library.

KEY FEATURES OF THE FOUR OPTIONS

Option 1

Little change to traffic flows.

Safety changes to key junctions.

Environmental improvements to Strand Street and Lowther Street.

Options 2, 3 & 4

Irish Street, Scotch Street & Duke Street become the focus of a two way route around the town centre.

Traffic access is limited on Strand Street & Lowther Street:

•Option 2. Lowther Street is restricted to deliveries only before 10am and after 4pm and emergency vehicles at any time. No other vehicles permitted.

Strand Street is restricted to buses, taxis, cycles and emergency vehicles at any time. Deliveries are only permitted before 10am and after 4pm. No other vehicles permitted.

•Option 3. Lowther Street is restricted to buses, taxis and emergency vehicles at any time. Deliveries are only permitted before 10am and after 4pm. No other vehicles permitted. 

Strand Street is restricted to buses, taxis, cycles and emergency vehicles at any time. Deliveries are only permitted before 10am and after 4pm. No other vehicles permitted.

•Option 4. Lowther Street is restricted to deliveries only before 10am and after 4pm and emergency vehicles at any time. No other vehicles permitted.

Strand Street is restricted to buses (in both directions), taxis, cycles and emergency vehicles at any time. Deliveries are only permitted before 10am and after 4pm. No other vehicles permitted.

Ends

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226332.