THE next phase of improvements to the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) in Lymm is about to get underway – and borough council chiefs at Warrington are seeking the views of local people on the proposals
Following the successful completion of phase 1 of the TPT upgrade earlier this year, funding has been awarded by Sustrans for Phase Two of the scheme. This will see major improvements being made to the trail between the ranger cabin and the Camsley Lane subway.
Design work has now begun on this phase, which aims to provide an improved all-weather surface which would benefit people walking, cycling, and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs. In addition, the existing A-frame barriers on Star Lane would be removed and replaced by new access controls.
As in Phase One of the scheme (which runs between Whitbarrow Road and Reddish Lane), Phase Two will see the use of an innovative new surface. Instead of tarmac. The proposals are to use a mixture of recycled rubber from vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate which forms a hard-wearing but porous surface.
The benefits of this type of surface is that has a much lower environmental footprint, requiring less tree removal and allowing for better drainage. It has a softer surface which is better for pedestrians, runners, dog walkers and horse riders. It is also much more attractive than tarmac, thanks to the golden aggregate giving it a speckled appearance.
Phase One used the equivalent of more than 10,000 recycled car tyres for its surface, which is a saving of 230,555kg of CO2 had these tyres been burned.
The borough council is now inviting comments and feedback from the public on the TPT phase 2 plans. You can get involved in the consultation, which runs until 30 November, by visiting warrington.gov.uk/TPT-Lymm and completing the online survey.
Two drop-in exhibitions have also been arranged, to give people the opportunity to see the plans, get information, make comments and have their questions answered by members of the project team. These take place on:
• Tuesday, November 15, between 4pm and 7m. at Lymm Village Hall
• Saturday, November 19, between 10am and 1pm, at the ranger cabin on Statham Avenue
In addition, 3,600 letters have been delivered to all residents and businesses in this area of Lymm, providing further details about the plans.
Borough council cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Phase One of the TPT upgrade in Lymm has been a real success, making this important active travel route more inclusive. We’re delighted to be working with Sustrans again to deliver the phase 2 improvements.
“As in Phase One, the Phase Two improvements will make this part of the trail more accessible for everyone, providing a smoother, more weather-resistant surface, and removing the old-style barriers that can make using the trail much more difficult for people with disabilities
“We are now at the design stage of this phase of the project, and we’re keen to hear people’s views. Please get involved in the consultation and have your say. Your feedback will help inform the design, so we can deliver a first-class scheme for everyone who uses the trail.”
The consultation runs until Wednesday, November 30.
If you have any enquiries about the TPT upgrade scheme, please email [email protected]
Sustrans is acharity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. It connects people and places, creates liveable neighbourhoods, transforms the school run and delivers a happier, healthier commute. See more details at www.sustrans.org.uk
