Firefighters to put Cardiff's 'DIY Streets' design to the test

Fire fighters will attempt to ride their engines and trucks down a Cardiff street after its residents set out their 'do it yourself' designs to clamp down on speeding traffic.

Somerset Street in Cardiff will be closed off so that the new layout, voted for by residents, can be laid out. They will then see how it might work and discuss extra features to brighten up the street from new trees to mosaic artwork.

Neighbours will discuss their plans with Cardiff Council and sustainable transport charity Sustrans, which is piloting 11 DIY Streets schemes across England and Wales. The project could be rolled out across the UK if successful.

Councillor Judith Woodman, Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice said: "We're delighted that Cardiff Council is working with Sustrans on this innovative neighbourhood improvement project.  We fully support this initiative which encourages the residents of Somerset Street to improve their physical environment and promotes a greater sense of community."

Mo McManus, Sustrans' Project Officer for DIY Streets, said: "The residents have voted on various street layouts and this is their first chance to see if it will work and how it will look. One of their main priorities is to slow down speeding traffic which can be a particular problem in the evening. Hopefully we can tackle this by changing the layout of the road while still leaving enough room for emergency services.

"We want to get all the residents involved in this scheme and Saturday's event is also a chance for neighbours to get to know each other better and celebrate their new street. I'm sure there will be a good buzz."

More than 40 people are expected to take part in the street trial, which takes place from 11am to 3pm. Children will be encouraged to join in the mosaic artwork, and will be kept entertained by a face painter. There will also be fresh, hot pizza for everyone.

Somerset Street residents are being asked to park their cars elsewhere during the road closure, which lasts from 10am to 4pm.