Thousands flock to bridge consultation
More than three thousand people have attended exhibitions to view the proposals for a new pedestrian and cycle footbridge over the River Avon in Stratford.
Six exhibitions have been held in the past month at a variety of locations to ensure easy access for both residents and visitors.
Opinions have ranged from ‘great idea, get on with it’, to ‘totally opposed’, and views have been received from a wide spectrum of people, locals and visitors and people of varying ages.
Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder Economic Development, said: “The number of people that have come out to give their comments is most encouraging, with more than 1,000 questionnaires received to date.
“Consultation is about being inclusive and we have gone to great lengths to ensure as wide a range of views as possible are taken into consideration.”
The proposal for a new pedestrian and cycle footbridge has been around for several years, stemming from the Transport Strategy and subsequent inclusion in Stratford District Council’s Waterfront Master Plan in 2003. At that time there was also extensive public consultation on the Master Plan.
The proposed bridge is designed to provide a number of clear benefits, including:
· a direct link for pedestrians and cyclists from the recreation ground and residential areas of Bridgetown , past the theatre and into town, improving access to schools and businesses.
· a safe cycling route which links into the national cycle network
· better facilities for the disabled and those with pushchairs
· dispersal of congestion around the Bancroft Gardens
· a landmark feature which would be an attraction in its own right
· providing an additional vantage point to view the Holy Trinity Church, remodelled Theatre and the river itself.
Some of the key concerns raised include the perceived loss of the ferryman, impact on swans, and concerns about additional parking on the recreation ground.
Warwickshire County Council is in consultation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and others to ensure the proposals have no negative impact on wildlife. Stratford District Council, which owns the recreation ground has confirmed it has no intention to increase parking, nor urbanise the recreation ground.
Meanwhile, Sam Gee who has operated the ferry for 20 years said: “The proposals are the best thing Stratford has had for a long time and will help alleviate congestion on the Tramway bridge.
“The proposed relocation of the ferry close to the theatre and Bancroft Gardens would increase footfall and help business.”
A similar ferry in Exeter remains in business following the construction of a pedestrian bridge close by in 1998.
The consultation period runs until 27th October 2006. A further public exhibition is currently being planned for a Saturday in mid October, date to be announced, in response to concerns that no event had been held on a Saturday.
A series of stakeholder meetings are also being held with various groups within the town.
In addition people can continue to view the proposals and fill in a questionnaire, either on line at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stratfordbridge or at the following locations: Stratford, Wellesbourne and Shipston on Stour libraries, as well as at Stratford District Council offices and Stratford Leisure Centre.
At the end of October the results of the consultation will be fed to a jury panel, which will consider the public’s comments, alongside a technical appraisal of the five bridge designs. The panel’s recommendation will then be fed back to the county council’s Cabinet meeting on 24th November, when a decision will be made on whether to proceed with the bridge proposal.