Agenda item

Naomi Lawes, Project Officer and Mark Baty, Senior Engineer for Sustrans attended the meeting remotely to share an overview of a new design and feasibility project in Thirsk, being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council (NYC). The project built on the Council’s plans to upgrade an existing footpath to a shared-use path, which aimed to create a safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling link between Sowerby Gateway, Green Lane and Thirsk Railway Station.

Members heard it had been identified that, at present, there was no continuous, safe route for pedestrians or cyclists traveling from the new housing developments to the railway station.  Low levels of train commuting and high car use from this area underlined the need to improve sustainable transport options, particularly for residents with pushchairs, wheelchairs or limited mobility.

The Sustrans officers shared a presentation which could be seen at page 53 of the agenda pack and provided an overview of the project to include the current condition of the footpath, the project proposals, the wider objectives and the planned next steps.

Sustrans officers drew attention to the route options appraisal and explained that potential routes had been identified, however, they explained that progressing with any of these options would require further discussions and agreement with the relevant landowners, local residents, and stakeholders.

Members questioned the proposal to use Olivette Crescent, a residential road with extensive on street parking, as the primary access route to the A61, and queried whether alternative options had been explored.  The suggestion was made to look at the possibility of incorporating a Section 106 (S106) agreement to facilitate the development of a dedicated cycle route through the housing estate, which would also bring the route closer to the train station.  The Sustrans officer confirmed that the possibility of creating a separate path had been explored.

Mr Brown referenced a previous scheme initiated by Network Rail (NR) to remodel the train station area and its approach; the scheme had not been progressed, however he suggested that it could merit a conversation with NR.  The Sustrans officer commented that this was useful information and requested that, if any additional details about the scheme were available, they be shared with Sustrans, as the organisation was not previously aware of its existence.

A member of the public had attended the meeting, and with the Chairs permission spoke on the subject.  It was confirmed, that as part of a local Campaign group, the proposed development of a safe walking, wheeling and cycling link between Sowerby Gateway, Green Lane and Thirsk Railway Station was one of the most popular proposals in Thirsk, and that as a local stakeholder group they would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the feasibility study.

The Chair commented that the overall sentiment of the LAF was one of strong support for improvements to the network which made them safer for people to travel and encouraged active travel.  A positive development noted was the establishment of a local point of contact, which would provide valuable insight into the specific needs of the area.

Ms Lawes stated that Sustrans would welcome the opportunity to return and present to the LAF as the project progressed, in response the Chair confirmed that the Forum would be delighted to re-engage and hear further updates.

Mr Cunliffe-Lister highlighted that the Division Councillor, Dan Sladden had been unable to attend today’s meeting, however as the local representative, he would welcome the opportunity to engage with Sustrans officers going forward.

Resolved

i)               That the information provided at the meeting be noted

ii)              That the Secretary forward contact details to the Sustrans officers for the public attendee and North Yorkshire Councillor Dan Sladden.

iii)                That Mr Brown provide the Sustrans officers with a contact and information on the Network Rail scheme.