Controversial plans for Active Neighbourhood scrapped

Controversial plans to block streets to cars to prevent rat-running in an Oldham neighbourhood have been scrapped after ‘strong opposition’ from residents.

The town hall had proposed to introduce an ‘Active Neighbourhood’ in Chadderton North and Westwood as part of the region’s Bee Network development which would have seen roads partially closed to traffic, but made accessible to people on bikes and on foot.

Leaders said the area was chosen because data showed that vehicles were using it as a cut-through – and proposed to install planters and bollards, as well as new bus gates to restrict vehicles.

Council chiefs said that the authority had also been contacted by residents concerned about traffic and congestion in an area with several primary schools, including Burnley Brown and Bare Trees Primary Schools.

However, the plans sparked an outcry from local residents, with public consultation events in October becoming heated.

Oldham council has now revealed it received 944 responses to the consultation, with many against all or most of the proposals in the scheme.

A petition with 738 signatures against the Active Neighbourhood was also lodged with the town hall.

In a statement, the authority said: “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.”

The scheme had proposed four access zones for motor vehicles to allow people to travel to households, from Broadway and Oldham Way, Featherstall Road, Featherstall Road North, and Middleton Road.

However, under the proposals people would not have been able to travel on residential streets to access another of the four zones, but would have had to use main roads to travel to the entry point.

Council leader Amanda Chadderton thanked people who took part in the consultation process.

She added: “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.”

Active Neighbourhoods are being developed across Greater Manchester as part of the Bee Network vision to provide a better transport system that will join buses, trams, trains, cycling and walking.

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