A consultation has been launched on plans to spend over £1.1-million on road improvements from the Lidl/Nynehead Road roundabout towards Priory.
But Wellington Town Council has already said the funding could be “directed to create more meaningful active travel improvements in the area”.
The proposals include:
- three signalised crossings suitable for walking and cycling (toucan crossings).
- off-road segregated paths with separate lanes for users walking or cycling.
- two-way cycle paths where extra space is available.
- off-road shared path to link into existing route near Lidl.
- a new footway on the south side near Cades Gardens.
- proposed speed limit change from 40mph to 30mph from Nynehead Road to join up with existing 30mph limit in the town centre.
- on-road cycle lanes with light segregation where space is limited.
The council says £606,716 has been obtained from Active Travel England with a further £573,620 in Section 106 funding secured as part of the Longforth Farm development.
It says work is expected to start on the scheme early next year.
Town councillors discussed the plans affer hearing a presentation at their meeting on Monday.
A statement issued afterwards said: “While the council welcomed some of the proposals, in particular a toucan crossing from Cades Farm to Lidl, it considered that, in general, the proposed works were not an effective use of funding and that the funding could be better directed to create more meaningful active travel improvements in the area.
“The Chief Executive Officer has written to Somerset Council seeking a meeting to discuss this matter further.”
The council responded by saying: “The team is grateful for the opportunity to meet town councillors and discuss the project – we will be responding to the letter in due course.”
Regarding the consultation, Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on the proposals to achieve a more attractive and safer way to walk, wheel or cycle in Wellington.
“The community’s responses will help to show how people feel about the proposals and spot any ideas that may help shape any future schemes.”
You can take part in the consultation by CLICKING HERE.
There’s also an opportunity for people to have their say in person by meeting the team behind the scheme at the corner of Fore Street/South Street from noon to 4pm on Tuesday.
