Plans for a controversial one-way system on Abington Park Crescent have been dropped after almost 1,000 people gave their views on the latest phase of Northampton's Abington Active Travel scheme.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has confirmed it will not take forward proposals to introduce a westbound one-way system on Abington Park Crescent following a public consultation on the third phase of the project.

The Abington Active Travel programme is being delivered in three phases. The first phase was completed in December 2024, while work on phase two is currently under way and is expected to finish in autumn 2026.

Consultation on the third phase ran between November 2025 and January 2026, seeking views on proposals to improve walking and cycling routes along Abington Park Crescent and surrounding roads, including changes to road layouts, junctions and on-street parking.

Work began on Monday, June 8, as part of phase two of West Northamptonshire Council's Abington Active Travel Scheme.

placeholder image — Work began on Monday, June 8, as part of phase two of West Northamptonshire Council's Abington Active Travel Scheme.

The council said it carried out extensive engagement through an online survey, written submissions, leaflet drops, social media and a public event at Abington Park Museum.

Nearly 1,000 survey responses were received, alongside more than 100 letters and emails, while around 350 people attended the public event. Around 90 per cent of respondents were Northampton residents.

While many people supported the overall aim of creating safer and better-connected walking and cycling routes, the council said there was limited support for the proposals in their current form.

Concerns raised included the potential impact on traffic flow, increased congestion on surrounding roads, the loss of on-street parking, access to Abington Park and possible effects on local businesses.

Residents also called for lower traffic speeds, improved crossing facilities, particularly near Weston Way, and measures to avoid diverting traffic onto neighbouring residential streets.

In response, WNC said it is now considering alternative options that would still meet the scheme's objectives while addressing the concerns raised during the consultation. These include improving road safety at key junctions, particularly at the A4095 Park Avenue South and King Edward Road junction, and creating a connected walking and cycling network with minimal disruption to traffic.

Updated proposals are being developed with Active Travel England and are due to be presented in autumn 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Councillor Richard Butler, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. We have listened carefully to the feedback and decided not to take forward the one-way proposal.

"We will continue working with residents, businesses and partners to develop safer, more accessible routes that address local concerns."