Knutsford to get say on public realm

PEOPLE in Knutsford are to get another chance to have their say about plans to upgrade the road and pavements in historic King Street through a ‘Your Town – Your Choice’ consultation.

The aim is to improve the public realm by creating a more vibrant public space that will be enjoyed by local residents, attract more visitors and enable businesses in the locality to thrive.

The scheme gives greater priority to pedestrians in the central section of the street, while maintaining through traffic and, where possible, on-street parking.

The design concept includes wider footways, raised pedestrian crossings, dropped kerbs and higher quality materials.

A previous consultation in December found that 74% of respondents supported the plans. Comments from the public have been taken into account and an adjusted design concept will go on show from Thursday July 2 until Friday July 31.

Among the proposed changes are more pedestrian crossings, a 20mph speed limit, a time limit on large vehicles, a controlled parking zone and plans to re-use some of the original stone setts in the new design.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and assets, said: “We believe in putting ‘residents first’ and that’s why we are putting these plans in front of the public again.

“The engagement in December received a good level of support for the scheme but now we feel we need to hear from more people.

“It is really important that the people of Knutsford share their views with us – it’s ‘Your Town – Your Choice’.

“This fresh round of consultation will help us to get this scheme right, so that we arrive at the best possible result for King Street, which is such an important part of the wonderful  town of Knutsford, one of the gems of Cheshire East.”