ALDERLEY ROAD CYCLEWAY OFFICIALLY OPENS

As Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Highways & Transport Policy Committee, I recently had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the new cycleway on Alderley Road, Wilmslow. This £1m scheme has been largely funded through the Local Enterprise Partnership's Local Growth Fund (£900,000) with a match funding contribution of £100,000 from Cheshire East Council.

The cycleway follows the modern design concept of a "shared space" scheme, without segregation for cyclists and pedestrians; however, four pedestrian/cycling symbols are to be added to the surface of the new route to advise users that it is intended for shared use. I am pleased to confirm that a number of further positive features have been included within the scheme:

- a wild flower verge is being created between the cycleway and the road surface

- a raised table has been introduced as a traffic calming measure at the entrance to Fulshaw Park South

- a new bus shelter has been installed, just after the junction with Fulshaw Park South

- the old bus shelter has been up-cycled as a team "dug out" at Wilmslow Rugby Club

- the bench by Fulshaw Park South has been refurbished using recycled materials

Furthermore, advantage was taken during the closure of Alderley Road to carry out some drainage works that have long since plagued this gateway to Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. Two existing gully connections on the north bound lane were found to have collapsed and these have now been diverted to a combined United Utilities combined drainage system, whilst additional combined drainage kerbs have also been installed at the junction with Fulshaw Park South.

Royal London will also replace a 750mm culvert within the boundary of the land under their ownership and will be renewing all gully connections on the southbound lane, as part of their planning agreement. I have also received confirmation from Cheshire East Highways that the road markings on the southbound approach to the Whitehall Bridge Roundabout will be refreshed over the coming weeks.