24 November 2022 Safer, Greener, Healthier

Views of businesses and residents help shape new active travel proposals for Crouch Street in Colchester

Essex County Council recommends new option is progressed following continued engagement with residents and businesses.

A new proposal to revamp Crouch Street West in Colchester, aimed at improving space for pedestrians and cyclists, is set to move forward following talks and meetings with residents and business owners.

The latest plans drawn up for Crouch Street West will create new designated cycle routes in both directions, resurface the existing road and pavements and see the creation of a new area of public space for pedestrians. The plans will retain plenty of car parking spaces in the street for those who are unable to visit the area without the use of a vehicle.

Under the new proposals the herringbone car parking will be replaced with parallel parking, to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users of the street.

The changes for Crouch Street West were drawn up under ECC’s Safer, Greener, Healthier campaign with the scheme set to be funded following the County Council’s successful £7.4 million bid to the Government’s second Active Travel Fund (ATF2).

Earlier this year, ECC announced a review of the original plans, responding to feedback from residents and business owners.

Cllr Lee Scott, ECC Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, has now recommended the new scheme of proposed improvements, which takes into account the thoughts of stakeholders.

Cllr Scott said: “We have talked to residents and business owners in Crouch Street, we have engaged, and we have listened.

“Throughout the development of proposals for improving walking and cycling in Crouch Street West in Colchester we have listened to feedback from residents and businesses.

“Following the latest stage of engagement with interested parties, I believe I have chosen the option that both maximises on-street parking available in Crouch Street West – an important element of the proposals for local businesses - whilst also implementing changes to create a space that is safer, greener and healthier for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The changes are designed to help turn the area into a destination where shoppers and local residents want to spend their time.”  

The recommendation will now be subject to ECC’s internal governance procedures, including progressing through a further round of consultation as part of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.