The engagement activities undertaken in 2018 for the Central 6 Regeneration Masterplan told us that people want to see change in their neighbourhoods. A ‘Better, cleaner and safer environment’ was identified as the top priority. This feedback was then supplemented and confirmed by the first online survey and public engagement events for the Central 6 Streets Plan, held in November 2021.

The Central 6 Streets Plan aims to deliver this vision by reducing vehicle traffic and improving conditions for those walking, cycling and living along the streets.

Central 6 refers to the six inner wards closest to the town centre:

• Orford
• Poplars and Hulme
• Fairfield and Howley
• Latchford East
• Latchford West
• Bewsey and Whitecross

What are the Central 6 streets plan ambitions?

The project aims to provide benefits across several key themes:

• Better streets – nicer and more attractive places to live that encourage outdoor activity
• Safer streets – slowing and reducing vehicle traffic to reduce the risk to people walking, cycling and socialising
• Greener streets – tree, flower and shrub planting to improve the look and biodiversity
• Cleaner streets – tidier environment with less litter and clutter
• Cleaner air – improved air quality with reduced motor vehicle use
• Inclusive streets – streets that function better for everyone to use and move around in
• Healthier streets – streets that encourage and allow people to use active travel modes for everyday journeys
• Streets for play – safer environments for children and younger people

Which areas are we looking at?

The Central 6 Streets Plan is currently focusing on two neighbourhoods: Orford (within Fairfield & Howley and Orford wards) and Westy (within Latchford East ward). Previous local feedback through the Central 6 Regeneration Masterplan raised concerns about road safety, air pollution and the quality of streets within these areas.

To address these concerns, Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) interventions have been proposed in both neighbourhoods as experimental schemes. An LTN works by closing off areas to traffic, so that people can drive to it but cannot necessarily drive through it. This stops drivers from using residential roads as shortcuts, makes it safer and easier to walk and cycle, and ultimately helps to improve local air quality.

In June 2022 proposals for both areas were published:

These initial trials do not rule out investment in other areas in the future: we expect these pilot projects will develop into a programme of similar measures attracting further investment from the government to support the transformation of local communities.

Previous consultations – Winter 2021

Public consultations were first held in November and December 2021, adopting a two stages process to first investigate issues and opportunities across Orford and Westy neighbourhoods and then allow all the residents to comment on the proposed schemes. The two stages included the following steps:

• Stage 1 letter drop - to residents and businesses within the study areas (October 2021) introducing the project and providing links to Survey #1 and the first public consultation events.
• Stage 1 in-person consultation - held at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub in Orford on Tuesday 9 November and at Grange Sport & Social Club in Westy on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
• Stage 1 combined virtual consultation - held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 11 November.
• Stage 2 letter drop - to residents and businesses within the study areas (November 2021) including a link to Survey #2, information on the second round of public consultation as well as maps of the proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes for both neighbourhoods.
• Stage 2 in-person consultation - held at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub in Orford on Tuesday 30 November and at Grange Sport & Social Club in Westy on Wednesday 1 December 2021.
• Stage 2 virtual combined consultation - held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 11 November.

The contents of each consultation event are available in the following documents.

A report of the feedback and findings from the consultation events and surveys:

Previous online events

Two online information sessions were held for Orford & Westy, on 11 November and 2 December 2021. Further information about these past events is in the PDF documents.