The Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, Kate Kniveton, and Staffordshire County Councillor, Julia Jessel, have delivered detailed proposals for a £1.9million walking and cycling upgrade scheme for Branston, following their intervention after years of delays. They are now urging residents to have their say on the plans should they go forward for construction in Winter 2024/2025.
The programme of works would see the pathway across Branston Bridge widened, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly for pupils travelling to and from one of the multiple schools in the area.
Network Rail took the decision to close the nearby Warren Lane level crossing over safety concerns in 2012. Since then, the level crossing has remained shut with Network Rail wanting to permanently close the crossing but with no desirable alterative for residents, any proposals for a solution stagnated.
These proposals were achieved following interventions from the local MP and County Councillor, since Ms Kniveton’s election. The two local representatives have been crucial in bringing the members of the community, the highways authority and National Rail round the table to bring new momentum to finding a workable solution to this issue.
These proposals are separate to the £12 million A38 Branston interchange improvement works secured from the Levelling Up Fund Round 2 bid, also supported by Kate Kniveton MP.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“Concerns about pupils using Branston Bridge with its narrow footway have been raised with me on several occasions by worried parents. It was evident to me that this was an issue that had been left unresolved for too long and something must be done. Working with Julia, as the local County Councillor, I am pleased we are now in a position where proposals are being put out to consultation. I would urge all residents to have their say on these proposals for highways improvements in Branston.”
C.Cllr Julia Jessel added:
“As the local County Councillor, ensuring the safety of all road users is an absolute priority for me, and I am pleased that with the help of Kate we have managed to progress this forward after years of delay.
“I regularly hear from residents and Branston Parish Council that something needs to be done about improving pedestrian safety and traffic management in the area. These proposals offer a good practical option.”
The consultation on the cycleway and footpath proposals is now live and ends on 20th November. Residents can view the plans and have their say by visiting https://forms.office.com/e/a2qBqxp6Mz. You can also respond in writing to Integrated Transport, FAO: Mahesh Mohankumar, No 1 Staffordshire Place, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH.
UPDATE 08/11/23:
Staffordshire County Council have made changes to one drawing, D6720T-R01-11-01-R2 - Consultation - Sheet 1 of 2. As a result of the proposed changes, SCC has extended the end date for our consultation by another two weeks to Monday, 11th December 2023. Local residents should receive a letter informing them about the proposed changes and the Council's website should be updated shortly.
