Abington Area Active Travel Scheme Consultation 2023

Closed 14 May 2023

Opened 1 Feb 2023

Contact

0300 126 7000

activetravelconsult@westnorthants.gov.uk

Feedback updated 17 Nov 2023

We asked

Between 1 February and 15 March 2023, and 3 April to 15 May 2023 we consulted on proposed active travel improvements around Abington Park, Northampton to upgraded the cycling and walking networks.

The project encompassed enhancements like segregated cycle lanes and upgraded crossings at Abington Park Crescent, Bridgewater Drive, Park Avenue South, and the Billing Road/Rushmere Road Junction.

The scheme sought to create a safer and more accessible environment for those walking and cycling in the specified locations.

You said

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) employed a comprehensive approach for inclusive stakeholder engagement, including discussions with local politicians, consultation events, postcard distribution, an informative brochure, and a virtual room. A survey gathered 281 online responses and 125 written responses.

Overall, most respondents supported proposed enhancements. Support varied across areas, with 44% in Abington Park South, 54% in Bridgewater Drive to Bridgewater Primary School, and 51% in Park Avenue South. The Billing Road/Rushmere Road Junction had the highest support at 64%.

A third of respondents (33%) believed enhancements would encourage more walking or cycling. Safety improvements, especially at Billing Road/Rushmere Road Junction, were endorsed. Support for upgraded crossings, wildflowers, improved landscaping, and Park Avenue South path resurfacing was noted.

Common feedback included concerns about parking and traffic management, especially at the King Edward Road junction. Worries about impacts on the tennis and bowls club due to lost parking spaces and questions about the scheme's value for money were raised. Safety concerns regarding e-scooters and cyclists on new paths were mentioned. Respondents emphasized extending proposals throughout Northampton for better connectivity and maintaining existing footpaths.

We did

A comprehensive consultation report has been prepared and will be presented to West Northamptonshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways, Transport & Waste Services. The input received during the consultation will guide the intricate design of the project, facilitating the eventual construction of the final proposal. The phased construction is scheduled to commence in 2024, with the aspiration for the scheme to be fully operational by early 2025.

Overview

Consultation period for Abington Park area travel scheme extended to provide an opportunity for people to provide their views. 

We are consulting on the proposed active travel improvements around Abington Park, Northampton.

In 2022, Local Authorities were invited to bid for further funds for permanent measures which promote active travel as part of Tranche 2.

The Abington Area Active Travel Scheme, using the design guidance for walking and cycling schemes (Local Transport Note 1/20), seeks to make the following improvements in the Abington area:

  • Abington Park Crescent – a new segregated two-way cycleway and new upgraded crossing at the junction with Park Avenue South 
  • Bridgewater Drive - a new two-way cycleway towards the school and new road crossings
  • Park Avenue South - new cycleways that merge into existing cycling facilities
  • Billing Road / Rushmere Road junction – Significant pedestrian crossing facilities, enabling ‘all direction crossing’, along with improved traffic signal technology to better manage all movements.

The scheme will support the development of the Northampton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan.

Have your say:

All details about proposals, including a virtual engagement room, is available at:

You can give your views by completing:

  • an online survey, can be completed by visiting  virtual engagement room
  • emailing or sending your comments in by post using the contact details below.

We are also hosting two further drop-in events; where members of the project team will be available to answer questions about the scheme and speak to people about the proposals and consultation. 

The new drop in events are in additon to the drop in event already held on the 16 February 2022.  New drop in events are being held on:

  • 20 April at Bridgewater Primary School, 3.30-6pm
  • 27 April at Abington Park Museum, 3-7pm

If you need assistance to enable you to respond to the consultation, including receiving information in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format, or in a different language, please contact us by:

Email: activetravelconsult@westnorthants.gov.uk

Telephone: 0300 126 7000

Postal address:

  • FAO: Abington Area - Active Travel Scheme Consultation
  • West Northamptonshire Council
  • The Guildhall 
  • St Giles' Square
  • Northampton
  • NN1 1DE

What happens next

We will consider all your comments and feedback in our next stage of design for the scheme, where we will look at every design aspect – from the materials used to the drainage and wildflower planting.

We look forward to receiving your feedback.

This consultation closes at midnight 14 May 2023.

Interests

  • Consultations
  • Parking, roads and transport