Alderley Edge Parish has agreed to spend up to £1000 so the viability of creating a roundabout at the junction of Brook Lane and Wilmslow Road can be assessed.
Over the past 12 months the Highways Local Partnership has funded a number of projects in Alderley Edge, which include putting double yellow lines on Ryley's Lane, resurfacing Eaton Drive, creating additional parking bays on Trafford Road, double yellow lines on Greystone Drive, dropped crossings on Congleton Road, surface dressing on Congleton Road, double yellow lines on Macclesfield Road and parking bays and restrictions on Talbot Road (which are due to be completed shortly) as well resurfacing of Talbot Road.
Collectively these projects cost approximately £32,000.
In addition the Highways Local Partnership has agreed to carry out a further three projects which will create 14 additional parking spaces on South Street, West Street, Chapel Street, London Road and Stevens Street - this work is going to cost an additional £12,000.
Speaking at the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 11th April, Councillor Craig Browne said "I have also identified with highways a mini-roundabout at the top of Brook Lane as being a priority in terms of helping traffic flows at busy times but also helping to act as a traffic calming measure at less busy times.
"Unfortunately for some of the reasons I have given the highways partnership budget is already allocated for 2016/17 so we could wait and hope that some funding becomes available in 2017/18 but that would simply be for the assessment not for the actual project itself so with the delay until 2017/18 we probably wouldn't get the roundabout until 2019.
"So I am coming to the Parish Council, effectively as the Cheshire East Councillor, asking the Parish Council to provide up to £1000 to fund the assessment of that existing junction at Brook Lane and Wilmslow Road which is an assessment that would be necessary before any actual progress in terms of implementation could be made."
He added "It is an awkward one. Technically it is a Cheshire East responsibility but I think over the last 12 months we've done quite well. We can wait and they will potentially fund this in 12 months time but this would potentially delay the implementation by 12 months and I would really like to give them the go ahead to look at this."
Highways have confirmed that they also will be carrying out an assessment with a view to introducing a pedestrian crossing on Ryleys Lane between Eaton Drive and Ryleys School later this year.
It is possible that some S106 money could be used to fund that but Councillor Browne said he has been assured that it will be funded one way or another.
Additionally Councillor Browne said "I have enquired whether Cheshire East would be happy for us to locate the new covered cycle stand, that was purchased for the Festival Hall but isn't now needed, to the South Street car park, on the site of the former public toilet. I've been advised that whilst they have no objection in principle they are seeking assurance from the Parish Council that we will agree to repair it and maintain it going forwards."
Comments
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The Bypass between Fulshaw Park and Monks Heath is substantially under utilised largely because there remains a curiosity / vanity value of driving through Alderley Village.
If the roundabout slowed down traffic along Wilmslow Road (into Alderley Edge) and "favoured" traffic arriving from Mobberley and Knutsford (who have NO alternative access to the village,) would that be a bad thing?
I am pretty certain that the "imposition" of a roundabout would just serve to persuade motorists to bypass Alderley Edge by using the.....er....bypass.
your point re. the bypass. In general conversation with people, I am astonished at the number who profess to not knowing there is a bypass !
Perhaps C.E. or AEPC or alderleyedge.com might try an awareness campaign?