After listening to the views of residents, businesses and the community Oldham Council will not be progressing with plans for an Active Neighbourhood in Chadderton North and Westwood.
Last year we launched a public consultation over proposals to introduce a scheme after residents got in touch – via previous events and surveys – raising concerns about the number of vehicles on the roads, congestion levels, and inconsiderate driving and parking, especially around two primary schools in the area.
Our Active Neighbourhood proposals aimed to cut traffic and rat-running and also create more attractive areas where residents could spend time with their family, friends and neighbours.
However, it soon became clear that there was strong opposition to the proposals, in particular to the bus gates - short sections of road blocked off to all traffic except buses, cycles and taxis, taxis, emergency and bin lorries
In total we received 944 responses as part of the consultation, many against all or most of the proposals contained in the overall scheme. A petition with 738 signatories against the scheme was also received by the council.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation.
“From the outset we were very clear – these were proposals, and they weren’t set in stone.
“We’ve now looked at all the feedback that we received and it’s clear that the majority of people who gave us their views and opinions do not want the Active Neighbourhood to go ahead.
“We’ve listened to you and for that reason we won’t be progressing with any parts of the plans. Proposals like the ones we consulted on attract strong opinions, and we understand that because they impact people’s everyday lives.
“We know this will leave some people disappointed, especially those who have contacted the council concerned about increased traffic levels and road safety issues.
“The council is committed to making our neighbourhoods and roads safer for residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and we’ll continue to work with partner organisations to look how this can be achieved across the borough.”