Proposed safer route to Meole Brace School Science College

Shropshire County Council is inviting people to have their say about a proposed safer route to Meole Brace School Science College in Shrewsbury.

The council has been working closely with the school to look at ways to encourage more walking and cycling and to improve safety on the school journey.

As part of the ‘Safer Routes to School’ programme, the council is proposing to install a toucan crossing on Longden Road, just to the south of the junction with Bank Farm Road. This is to address the significant number of existing pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road in this location, which was one of the key issues highlighted in the School Travel Plan process.

The new toucan crossing would be supported by a dropped kerb crossing on Bank Farm Road and an upgrade of the pavement from the road to the new crossing, for use by pedestrians and cyclists.

Shropshire County Council would like to progress the scheme this summer however this will depend on various factors, including local support.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “We are keen to make the journey to school for pupils in this area as safe as possible. We believe these measures will be effective and would like to hear what people think.

“By making the route safer it will hopefully mean more pupils and teachers are encouraged to cycle and walk to school”.

Mike Owen, Shropshire County Councillor for Meole Brace, said: “I totally support these proposals and they are something I have been trying to achieve for a number of years. I hope people will also support these and help to create a safer route to this school.”

To comment on the proposals, the plan can be viewed at the Customer First Information Point at Shrewsbury Reference Library or at main reception at the Shirehall in Shrewsbury.

Alternatively, people can visit www.shropshire.gov.uk or contact Victoria Merrill at Shropshire County Council on 01743 253139. The closing date for comments is Wednesday 2 July 2008.

17 June 2008