CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON PROPOSED CYCLING ROUTES » Communities » 24dash.com

A major review into the future of proposed cycling routes that would link Alderbury and Wilton to Salisbury, and beyond, is about to get underway.

Salisbury District Council's Environment and Transport Overview Scrutiny Panel has set up special group to investigate why the Alderbury and Wilton Cycle routes – earmarked in the Salisbury Transport Plan – have not yet been realised.

Crucial to the review will be the views of local people and key organisations. A public meeting is taking place on Wednesday 5 July to gather the views of local people to find out if they believe the cycle routes should be progressed.

Lead member of the Review Panel, and lifelong cyclist, Cllr Christopher Devine, said: "Increasing the number of cycle routes in and around Salisbury to help reduce car use was a very important element of the local transport plan.

"However, the proposed cycle routes of Alderbury to Salisbury and Wilton to Salisbury have not yet happened.

"I would strongly encourage anyone who has views on these routes, whatever their views are, to attend the meeting on 5th July to voice their opinions.”

"We believe it is important to re-examine if the cycle routes are still needed and wanted.

"If the review concludes that the routes are still very much needed we can present this evidence to the relevant organisations and press for the cycling routes to happen."

The Review will be conducted by a cross-party selection of councillors. It will:
• Consider existing policies and prioritisation of the cycle routes
• Identify the barriers to implementing the cycle route
• Consult local cycling groups for their views.
• Interview experts from Wiltshire County Council, the Salisbury Joint Transport Team, Salisbury District Council and the Highways Agency.

As well as linking Alderbury and Wilton with Salisbury, these cycle routes will also form part of the Sustrans Cycle Route 24, which links Southampton to Bristol.

If you would like to have your say on the proposed Alderbury and Wilton cycle routes, you can attend the public meeting which is being held at City Hall, Salisbury, 6pm on 5 July.

Alternatively you can send your views to Sara Draper, Cycle Review, Salisbury District Council, Council House, Bourne Hill, Salisbury or email sdraper@salisbury.gov.uk

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Press release issued: June 16 2006