Active neighbourhood trial under way in Milkstone and Deeplish

An active neighbourhood trial in Milkstone and Deeplish which launched on Monday 6 February will see a number of streets made one-way and vehicle filters introduced.

The trial will run for six months during which time consultation with local people will continue so that the measures can be adapted, decommissioned or made permanent.

The next stage in the process is to introduce a number of interventions to residential streets. Signs will be displayed and there will be new bollards and road markings, followed by traffic islands and planters.

Vehicles will be prohibited, one-way orders introduced and restrictions of no waiting time will be created.

This will include the implementation of road furniture with vehicle filters on roads to manage traffic access and flow.

Vehicle filters are bollards or planters that stop traffic taking short cuts through the area and can also slow down traffic. They still allow people to walk, cycle and wheel through them. The council says that access to all households by motor vehicle is still possible, but the journey might be slightly longer.

The streets which will be one-way for the duration of the trial:

• Ashfield Road - become one-way in an easterly direction
• Castlemere Street - become one-way in a southerly direction
• Derby Street - become one-way in a southerly direction
• Kensington Street - become one-way in a westerly direction
• Mere Street - become one-way in a northerly direction
• Osborne Street - become one-way in a westerly direction

The streets where vehicle filters will be implemented for the duration of the trial:

• Boundary Street - vehicle filter at the junction with Osborne Street
• Derby Street - relocate the existing filter at the junction with Durham Street to the junction with Exeter Street
• Durham Street - vehicle filter at the junction with Derby Street
• Leicester Street - vehicle filter at the junction with Derby Street
• New Barn Lane - vehicle filter at the existing railway bridge
• Salkeld Street - vehicle filter at the junction with Gate Street
• Whitby Street - vehicle filter at the junction with Derby Street.

The council web site has a section with all the details of the scheme as well as a map: rochdale.gov.uk/ActiveAreas.

 

 

Councillor Daniel Meredith, cabinet member for highways and housing, said: “This is an exciting time for Milkstone and Deeplish as we trial the active neighbourhood scheme. It is our defining aim to improve the lives of residents and that is what we are hoping to achieve with this trial.

“In recent years, levels of traffic on residential streets has increased significantly and we want to address that and return the feeling of community to the area by reducing pollution, noise and safety risks.”

During the trial feedback can be sent to highways@rochdale.gov.uk. There will also be a further area-wide survey with other events to be announced at a later date.

At the end of the trial, councillors will consider all feedback before a final decision is made over the future of the scheme and whether it will be made permanent.

The aim of the active neighbourhood is to increase active travel in the area so that short trips can be made on foot, by bike or on public transport rather than relying on the car for journeys. It will also create a safer area where children can play.