Walking and cycling routes around Northampton earmarked for upgrade as part of new 10-year plan
Key walking and cycling routes across Northampton have been identified for upgrades as part of a new 10-year infrastructure plan from the council.
West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) cabinet has approved a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the town, after undertaking a public consultation on the proposals in autumn last year.
The document explores enhancing existing active travel networks and improving links between communities, making it easier for people to travel to work, school, or other local facilities without relying on cars.
Which routes have been identified for improvements?
Schemes have been prioritised based on policy, effectiveness and deliverability.
The top five ranked active travel routes within Northampton:
- Connecting the town centre, via the railway station, to the Kings Heath area
- An enhanced route between Kingsthorpe and the A45 Queen Eleanor Interchange, through the town centre
- Improving a key route between the town centre and Upton, via the Sixfields area
- Connecting the town centre to Moulton via Kettering Road
- Enhancing the connection between the Brackmills Industrial Estate and the town centre, via Delapre Abbey and the University of Northampton
A number of routes connecting places outside of Northampton to the town have also been proposed, including Upton to Weedon Bec, Weston Favell to Wellingborough, Wootton to Roade and more.
Other proposals to enhance ‘core walking zones’ in Kingsthorpe, Weston Favell and Northampton Town Centre have also been put forward.
‘It’s important we don’t just get shiny new things’
Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday March 10 Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere, Labour member for Blackthorn and Rectory Farm, said: “My urging as part of this transformation process is that we also look at the ongoing maintenance because, for example, on the A45, which is one of the key access routes for people on the east side of town into Brackmills, the cycling paths were obscured by foliage.
“It’s actually important that we don’t just get the shiny new things that we need, but we actually maintain it and listen carefully to the users of that infrastructure.”
Stuart Timmiss, executive director for place, economy and environment and WNC, acknowledged “some really good points in terms of maintenance”.
“I think this is something that, historically, [Cllr Holland-Delamere is] absolutely correct to point out,” he said, “I don’t need to remind members of the challenges of the county council and why some of those things perhaps hasn’t happened.
“As we move forward, I think we will be open to those challenges at that time about ‘have we got the right maintenance in place to ensure the users are safe and the routes are safe as well’.”
How will the schemes be delivered?
Councils with the infrastructure plans are in the best position to work with Active Travel England (ATE) and other government departments to secure funding.
ATE have a rating for all transport authorities in England between zero and four to reflect their capability to deliver cycling and walking schemes and guide the allocation of funding. WNC currently has a score of one, however it says authorities with LCWIPs are more likely to achieve a higher rating.
Work will now be able to start on developing the identified schemes in more detail. WNC says the precise timescales and prioritisation of measures will depend upon future funding.