Stratford residents asked for views on town centre changes - The Stratford Observer

Stratford residents asked for views on town centre changes

Stratford Editorial 3rd Apr, 2022   0

RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on changes to Stratford town centre.

Stratford Town Council and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) have been working with the Town Centre Strategic Partnership team on ideas for what Bridge Street and High Street could look like in the future – building on ideas set out in the Stratford’s Neighbourhood Plan.

The aim is to improve the look and feel of the town centre and make it easier and safer for people to move around on foot or bike, as well as benefiting bus users.

Although a funding bid by WCC to the government’s Levelling Up Fund to pay for the works was unsuccessful it is hoped there will be future opportunities to bid for funding. Project leaders say feedback from townspeople via an online consultation will help to secure any available funding bids.




The proposed changes include widening the pavements in High Street, creating a wide central walkway on Bridge Street and a better connection between Henley Street and Waterside, using space created by narrowing the road, removing parking and relocating the taxi ranks to Union Street.

The proposals also seek to change the shape of the Bridge Street roundabout to improve moveme and a new pedestrian crossing through the centre of the roundabout will be provided to connect Henley Street to the central walkway.


New courtesy crossings will be provided where drivers are expected to give way to pedestrians, and narrower roads, reduced kerb heights, lower vehicle speeds and less traffic will make it easier for pedestrians to cross in other locations.

Leaders also want to retain the temporary 20mph speed limit introduced in 2020 to support social distancing.

As well as the online survey, local people are invited to see the plans at a series of events or online.

They take place at the Friday market on April 1 between 9am and 4pm, at the town hall on Monday April 4 between 1pm and 7pm and again on Wednesday April 6 from 7pm to 8pm.

The can also be accessed via Microsoft Teams.

WCC planning spokesman Wallace Redford said: “This funding bid provides an exciting opportunity to transform the historic heart of Stratford.

“Our vision is to create a town centre which is full of life and meets the needs of the local community, businesses and visitors, while befitting the town’s global status. If successful, the proposals would reduce the current dominance of motor vehicles and give greater priority and space to pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel and improving air quality.

“It would also enhance the town’s character and ambiance. We hope as many local people as possible come along to the events and share their views via the consultation. Your views are important to us and will help us develop the scheme.”

Feedback will be reviewed and appropriate changes made to the plans. A summary of the feedback will be published alongside an explanation of how the plans will be updated.

Visit ask.warwickshire.gov.uk to leave feedback before June 5.

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