Sprinting to find out views on transport project
Public consultation got underway yesterday on proposals which could for the first time link north and south Warwickshire with a dedicated rapid transport system.
The first public consultation took place today in Broadgate, Coventry, with others in Coventry this week, before it becomes the turn of Warwickshire residents to express their views next week.
Each consultation aims to engage with the community on the Bus Rapid Transit scheme proposal, which has the working title `Sprint’.
The aim of the project is to improve transport for everyone to help ensure growth and a successful, vibrant future.
The initiative aims to create a new transport system that supports regeneration, linking people and destinations together and providing communities with high quality, efficient and safe travel choices - choices reflecting the exciting changes in society.
Part of the answer to this transport challenge is the concept of bus-based ‘rapid transit’ for the transport corridor between Nuneaton, Bedworth, Coventry and Kenilworth. Costing an estimated £85 million, the 30km scheme will provide a fast, flexible and reliable link to key locations along the route.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “This is a huge scheme, potentially benefiting thousands of people by providing a new transport corridor, but at this early stage we need to know what the people it could be serving think of the proposals.
“Every opinion matters in helping to shape the future of this scheme.”
Councillor David Arrowsmith, Coventry’s Cabinet Member for Urban
Regeneration and Regional Planning says: "I would encourage everyone to have their say on this exciting bus rapid transit project for the city and beyond, by either attending one of the many exhibitions that are taking place until Saturday 8 July, or via the hotline number and website.
“We need to gain government funding in order for this innovative project to get off the ground and this we can do with support from local people.”
Exhibition Details:
COVENTRY
Friday 30 June between 11am - 8pm at Tesco store entrance at Arena Retail
Park
Saturday 1 July between 10am - 4pm at Broadgate (under canopy)
Tuesday 4 July between 11am - 8pm at Cannon Park shopping centre
Thursday 6 July between 7.30am - 10am at Park & Ride South in Memorial Park
KENILWORTH
Thursday 6 July between 11am - 8pm at Abbey End in Kenilworth Town Centre
BEDWORTH
Friday 7 July between 11am - 8pm at Bedworth Civic Hall in Bedworth Town
Centre
NUNEATON
Saturday 8 July between 10am - 4pm in The Rope Walk shopping centre in
Nuneaton Town Centre