RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on plans to improve Northwich's walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been awarded £892,000 from Active Travel England to design and deliver a pedestrian and cycling route connecting the railway station to the town centre.

The scheme will include improved pedestrian crossing points at side roads; reduced speed limits to make on-road cycling safer; a signalised crossing for pedestrians and cyclists in Chester Way; an improved public realm and crossing at the Venables Way junction in Witton Street.

An online survey has been set up for residents to choose between two routes connecting the station and town centre.

‘Route A’ is along Station Road/Witton Street and would provide a direct pedestrian route along Station Road, across Chester Way on to Witton Street to the town centre.

For cyclists, a reduced speed limit to 20mph would improve the on-road route, but high traffic levels would remain.

‘Route B’ is along Victoria Road and Kingsway and would provide an on-road cycle route with pedestrian improvements along Victoria Road on to Kingsway.

A new crossing over Chester Way to Church Road leads on to Witton Street to the town centre.

Proposals also include banning vehicles turning right from Chester Way into Church Road. For cyclists, this would be a quieter on-road route with less traffic, however it is less direct to reach the town centre.

Cllr Karen Shore, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, said: “The design team is now looking forward to hearing the views of everyone who walks, cycles and wheels around Northwich plus residents along the routes and local businesses.

“There is a short survey available online or you can meet the team at Northwich Brio Memorial Court Foyer to learn more at two drop-in sessions in December.

"We want to know your views on which route you prefer for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“The survey will run until Friday, December 22, with the plans of the project proposals available to see online and in pop up exhibitions.

“We are committed to improving areas across the borough, Northwich joins projects already underway in Winsford and plans for Ellesmere Port and Chester.”

To find out more, the project team will be at Brio Memorial Court Foyer between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday, December 6, and Thursday, December 14.

The survey and details about the route options is available online until to December 22.