First accessibility improvement scheme in Trowbridge town centre completed
Church Street and Union Street have both been improved
The first of a series of highway projects forming part of a £16 million package of town centre improvements funded through the government's Future High Streets Fund, has been successfully completed.
The town centre highway projects will improve accessibility and over the last five months, the junction of Church Street and Union Street in Trowbridge has seen the traffic signals removed, footpaths have been widened and an informal crossing on Church Street outside of St James Church has been delivered along with a pedestrian refuge island crossing facility on Church Street close to Church Street Car Park.
The paving slabs and kerbing used to resurface the footpaths now match the existing materials in Church Street near to the Vergers Cottages, creating a pleasant and consistent look to the area. Some signage and street furniture has been removed to tidy up the area and make it more accessible, and heritage style street lighting has been used throughout.
The existing parking bay has been moved further into Church Street, with some changes to disabled parking including extending the time allowed for parking in the disabled bay from 2 hours to 3 hours.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "The removal of the traffic lights provided a great opportunity to improve the public space in this area. I'm pleased to see this has resulted in a more inviting and attractive route for pedestrians who use this key route into the town centre from developments to the north and the Church Street Car Park.
"One of our key priorities is to create vibrant and well-connected communities so we are aiming for the remaining highway improvement schemes being funded via the government's Future High Streets Fund to come forward in phases until mid-2024. We are working on finalising the design of the next scheme which will enhance Castle Street and reinforce the connection between the St Stephens Place complex and the town centre. We anticipate this scheme will start late May / early June 2023.
To find out more about the schemes visit our website.