NEW dedicated cycle paths are being proposed to improve links between Frodsham and Helsby – and to make it a safer and more attractive mode of transport.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is now urging people to have their say on the plans, which also include a number of footway improvements.

The authority will be directly contacting residents and businesses on the route and talking with local groups and other stakeholders.

Motorists using the road are also encouraged to participate in the consultation.

Here is what is being proposed along the A56 Chester Road between Frodsham and Helsby:

  • From Godscroft Lane to the Kings Church entrance (on the north western side of the A56), there will be a one direction, on the carriageway cycle facility protected from the adjacent traffic by a physical kerbed barrier. The existing footway is to be maintained for pedestrians. On the south eastern side, there will be a shared use pedestrian and cycle path.
  • From the Kings Church entrance to the B5393 Tarvin Road junction, there will be a cycle track on both sides of the A56 which will be protected from the adjacent traffic by a physical kerbed barrier. The existing footway is to be maintained on the north western side of the A56. The existing layby, north of Kings Church is to be remodelled for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • From the junction of the B5393 Tarvin Road to Matty’s Lane junction (on the north west side), there will be a one direction, on the carriageway cycle facility protected from the adjacent traffic by a physical kerbed barrier. The existing footway is to be maintained for pedestrians. On the south eastern side, there will be a shared use pedestrian and cycle path.
  • From Matty’s Lane junction, continuing north to Carriage Drive (on the south east side of the A56), there will be a shared use pedestrian and cyclepath. The existing bus shelter on the south eastern side of the A56 will be upgraded to accommodate a shared pedestrian and cycle path. The north western existing footway is to be maintained for pedestrians.
  • From Dig Lane to the railway bridge, it is proposed to widen the north western footway. The existing pedestrian crossing (Puffin) is to be kept.
  • There will be coloured surfacing across the junctions with Woodhouses Lane, Woodhouses Park and Kings Church.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “Cycling saw a huge rise in participation last year.

"Schemes like these are designed to make cycling safer and encourage more people to consider this as an option for both leisure and commuting."

The council says cycling and walking also help to improve air quality, combat climate change, address inequalities and tackle traffic congestion.

By improving physical activities there is a longer-term health benefit.

Cycle path plans for the A56 between Frodsham and Helsby.

Cycle path plans for the A56 between Frodsham and Helsby.

Cllr Shore: “We are now asking for help from the local communities living close to these proposed new routes. We want to ensure the schemes meet the requirements for those directly affected before any work starts.

"We will be talking with local community representatives, there will be information posted to households on the routes and an online questionnaire.

“The newly formed independent Sustainable Transport Taskforce will also be invited to review our plans.”

The council was awarded a £611,800 grant award from ‘Tranche 2’ of the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund, to deliver an attractive alternative to the car for travelling on shorter journeys, whilst also supporting efforts to improve public health.

The new funding will help to deliver a small number of schemes that were identified by the Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan adopted last year.

The plan is part of a 10-year strategy.

The funds will also provide additional cycle training opportunities, the development and promotion of a 'Park & Cycle' offer, and the exploration of innovative digital applications – initially aimed at school trips – to complement the wider active travel programme.