The future of Wallbridge in Stroud

2nd February 2012, 12:14

Comments

Open it back up to traffic, or turn it into a public space.

That is the choice for people in Stroud as an exhibition starts looking at the future of Wallbridge.

It was used as a temporary road during work to build Merrywalks Bridge and many people found the diversion was working so well they requested it remain open after the scheme was finished.

This required a temporary planning consent which is coming to an end so the council now needs to make a decision on its future.

The council has drafted two options for public consultation to find out what people think:

Open Wallbridge to traffic on one lane only (outbound) with the other lane used for pedestrians

Keep it closed and explore the possibility of creating a public open space

The exhibition runs from 6th to 17th February at the Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre at Bell House Wallbridge on the following days and times:
    
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - 10am to 1pm

Thursday & Saturday - 10am to 4pm

Nigel Edgeworth Gloucestershire County Council's project manager for the scheme said: ''This exhibition is being held to gain views from the community in Stroud as to whether Wallbridge be reopened to traffic, to aid traffic flow in the area, or remain permanently closed and be retained as public open space at this important gateway entrance into Stroud.

''Everybody is welcome to come along to view and comment on the proposals which will show the two options in detail.

''If the option to keep it closed is favoured then, subject to funding, there would be a real opportunity to create a pleasant area of public open space and a plan representing this will also be shown at the exhibition.''