Plans which could transform a Nottinghamshire town's main roads have been largely welcomed by most residents - although some in Stapleford have raised questions about how the proposed 'Mini-Holland’ cycle scheme for the town would work. The plans are still in the early stages, with a feasibility study being carried out this month, but if it progresses it could see a new network in Stapleford that would prioritise walking and cycling, transforming roads and streets to make them as cycle friendly as those seen in the Netherlands.
The aim of 'Mini-Holland' is to make changes to the local roads to make walking and cycling trips in the area easier and more pleasant.
Nottinghamshire County Council has secured funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to undertake a feasibility study in December. The study will seek the opinions of residents and workers in Stapleford to find out what they enjoy most about the town, how they travel in the area, and what they think could be improved.
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We spoke to people in Stapleford about the plans, with many saying they think the new cycle scheme is ‘brilliant’ for the community, however share concern on how the cycle paths will be placed in the busy town.
Stapleford resident, Paul Hather, told Nottinghamshire Live that it’s a positive for the town. The 52-year-old said: “Any investment has got to be brilliant for the community, is it not? I’ve got to say regarding the cycle path. It’s like when no one wanted the trams, but they’re good aren’t they?
“For me, it’s good. Why should it go to the city centre and not to the suburbs. Long Eaton is the same as well, it’s similar. It’s good but how they’re going to fit it in, I don't know.”
Tony Bradley, 55, who works in a salt factory, said that he thinks the cycle scheme will benefit the town and its people.
Tony, who moved to Stapeford three years ago, said: “It’s a good thing, the roads are just very narrow. I don’t think it’s wide enough, I honestly don’t know how they would do it. It's always a good idea because as a pedestrian the path isn’t wide enough.
“I’m all for cycle paths, it encourages people's fitness. They’ve got to incorporate the cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. I'm always for cycle paths, they’re always a good idea.”
Bramcote resident Gill Porter, told Nottinghamshire Live that more and more people are cycling.
The 62-year-old said: “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, I definitely think it will be a good thing. It’s such a busy road and a lot more people are cycling to work these days.”
The council's feasibility study is being developed by AECOM on behalf of the county council. People are invited to attend public events, at Stapleford Library from 9.30am to 12pm, on December 3 and December 8. As well as St Helens Church on December 8 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Councillor Neil Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “We are excited by this opportunity, and we need to make sure it’s right for the area.
“The feasibility study will look at traffic flows, current walking and cycling infrastructure and people’s travel patterns to see what type of schemes could work in the area. These could include improvements to the look and feel of local streets; new and improved facilities for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, walkers and cyclists; and improvements to roads, such as new crossing facilities.
“It’s important that residents and local businesses are involved in discussions from the start, and we welcome everyone’s feedback.”
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