27/7/2009 - Locals asked to shape Kirkby Stephen road improvements

People in Kirkby Stephen are being asked to help shape the highways improvements they’d like to see in their town.

A year long process of developing a comprehensive list of highways issues for Kirkby Stephen has been launched by Cumbria Highways.

And to find out the local community’s priorities, residents are being consulted and asked for their views to help Cumbria Highways draw up a list of potential improvements.

The scope for improvement will be limited by funding and not all the schemes people suggest will become a reality - the aim of the consultation is to get residents thinking about enhancements they might like to see that could be realistically tackled within Cumbria’s highways budget. 

Building on the work already done to enhance the town centre including the footpath link to the train station, which is already planned to be built in 2009/10, and resurfacing of South Road, the intention is to focus on improvements that could make a difference to Kirkby Stephen.

These improvements might come in the form of making it easier for people to walk and cycle around the town or enhancing the attractiveness of the town for visitors.

Typical issues that could be raised as potential highway enhancements include new or improved footpaths or pedestrian crossing points, improved cycle routes, lighting improvements, removal of dangerous or obstructive parking, bus shelter or bus stop enhancements and better signage.

During the next 12 months there will be regular opportunities to discuss highways issues at public meetings, but Cumbria Highways would like to engage with people and hear residents’ ideas and concerns as early as possible.

Councillor Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "This is a real opportunity for local people to influence future highways improvements that could be made in Kirkby Stephen, so we are really keen to engage with them and hear from as many residents as possible.

"Their comments, opinions and views will all be taken on board and used to help draw up a list of priorities that we can look at allocating funding to."

Public meeting dates will be announced in the near future, but anybody in Kirkby Stephen wanting to get in touch with Cumbria Highways in the meantime should contact: 

Keith Masser
Area Engineer (Eden)
Skirsgill Highways Depot
Penrith
CA10 2BQ

Email: keith.masser@cumbriacc.gov.uk or call 01768 242149.

ENDS

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