News on St. Helens Liveable Streets

St Helens Borough Council has launched a public consultation to seek views on how more than £1m of funding should be spent to make walking and cycling safer, accessible, and enjoyable for residents.

The council has been allocated the funding after the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was awarded a total of £7.8m from the Government’s Active Travel Fund to support local transport authorities in producing cycling and walking facilities.

With a number of proposals planned, including new cycle lanes/tracks; reduced speed limits; and safer crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists – the council is keen to hear from residents to help shape potential schemes.

Encouraging residents to have their say, Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:

“We’re always looking to make active travel like walking and cycling an easier option - particularly for shorter trips whether it’s for leisure purposes or commutes to work - which comes with a number of health benefits for both residents and the environment.

“This is evident through recent improvement schemes we’ve carried out during the past year including the installation of new crossings for people on foot and bike, such as the Toucan crossing on Boardmans Lane – while we’ve seen an increase in cyclists using the protected cycle lanes at Chester Lane, Jubits Lane and Clock Face Road, which is great.

“Like any proposed development, it is important that the public form part of the process which is why we’d welcome any constructive feedback to help strengthen plans and make them the best they can be for all concerned.”

To take part in the consultation, which opens today (Friday 12 March) and closes on Sunday 28 March, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/activetravelfund

If you are unable to complete the survey online, please get in touch with the Contact Centre on 01744 676789 or contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk to request the information in a different format.