Residents for Uttlesford (R4U), the local party of towns and villages, has announced that Saffron Walden Town Council has prepared and approved a list of schemes to improve pedestrian, cycling and traffic access in Saffron Walden for submission to the Local Highways Panel.
In November 2015 R4U and Saffron Walden Town Council jointly consulted with residents about ways to improve driving, walking and cycling in the town. As part of the initiative, R4U produced a map of over 70 improvement hotspots. A survey of residents was used to prioritise these improvements and gain further suggestions.
Cllr Paul Gadd (R4U)
The approved priorities include pedestrian crossings on Little Walden Road near Castle Street, on Ashdon Road near the Common, and on the High Street opposite King Street to allow better access to Swan Meadow; a 20mph limit in the town centre and outside schools; as well as works to improve safety around Cates Corner.
Cllr Richard Freeman (R4U)
Separately, UDC has asked ECC to remove on-street parking from 1.5km of Saffron Walden’s roads. These proposals are in public consultation at the time of publishing.
These proposals were also discussed at the same Planning Committee. Chair of the committee, Cllr Richard Freeman said “Our survey shows that residents don’t support UDC’s desire to remove huge sections of on-street parking at all and it is not a priority for them. On-street parking is important to the economy of the town. It is valuable for residents, and those that work or visit the town. It also calms traffic and provides a safety barrier for pedestrians, particularly on the school walking routes. The Town Council voted to oppose these proposals and we will fight them on behalf of residents. None the less we encourage residents to respond to the public consultation themselves.”