COVID -19 High Street Interventions

Local Update : Covid 19 Temporary High Street Pedestrian Safety Interventions for Audlem

I am pleased that Cheshire East Council has now issued a statement clarifying their initial headline of so called 'pavement widening'.

Thanks to Audlem on Line, the Parish Council and residents swift response to that statement, the Parish Highways Meeting of 26 May, considered fully the possibility of any 'Temporary Interventions' which could both improve pedestrian safety and allow necessary Covid 19 social distancing.

Both I and a Cheshire East Highways Officer joined the meeting for this discussion.

I can report that the officer apologised for any miscommunication of the proposal or lack of engagement with both myself and the Parish Council in advance of the Cheshire Live Press Statement.

He confirmed that, 'this phase is about the government encouraging 'us' to walk in our towns and villages and where possible to improve pedestrian experience, particularly taking into account, the continued need for social distancing'.

The meeting was in agreement therefore that any 'temporary interventions' for the village, could look to ensure clearer delineation between the road and kerb with possible creation of marked walkways where there is currently no pavement; all main accesses to the centre of the village to be considered. It was also hoped that any measures would help businesses in the village.

In due course 20 mph speed limits in urban/residential areas may be considered and a 'temporary intervention' may inform more permanent measures. Cyclist provision was also raised however the highways officer was adamant that this first stage related to pedestrians.

The next full Parish Council Meeting is on 15th June and although it was agreed to submit preliminary thoughts to Cheshire East in advance of this, it is with the caveat of being, 'subject to full Parish Council approval and further consultations with local residents'. 
In the meantime please either contact myself or the Parish Council directly with any queries/comments. In addition you will have seen that the council statement provides its usual email address 'consultations@cheshireeasthighways.org' for any comments/concerns.

I hope you continue to keep well.
Rachel

Rachel Bailey Audlem Ward Cheshire East Councillor