Call for calm on roads by popular park
ACAMPAIGN has been launched calling for speed calming measures around a popular Macclesfield park.
Simeon Livesey, from Macclesfield, has started a petition after becoming convinced that safety measures are needed to protect the large numbers of pedestrians in the area.
The south edge of the park is bookended by two roundabouts at which several large roads merge.
And in this area, in addition to the park with a play area, skate park and cafe, there is a hospital, supermarket, crematorium and several nurseries.
Despite this, the only zebra crossing in the area is in the supermarket car park.
West Park is popular with families and dog walkers and has been particularly busy during the lockdown as residents venture outside for some fresh air.
Mr Livesey said: “It’s very busy with pedestrians, all within a tiny, tiny space. The whole system is built for cars not pedestrians.
“There are narrow pavements that some people struggle to get a pram through.
“I commute along those roads every day but I would happily take a bit longer if it meant safer roads for all.”
The petition calls for more pedestrian crossings and a 20mph speed limit.
It comes one month after Cheshire East Council proposed several new steps to boost walking and cycling in Macclesfield.
One of the streets earmarked for new active travel routes is Cumberland Street, which links the two roundabouts along the south side of West Park.
The active travel plans are part of Cheshire East Council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
But so far the council so far not engaged with suggestions for new crossings and speed limits.
And with planning permission for 300 new homes at the former
King’s School site, on nearby Fence Avenue, residents fear the traffic could yet get worse.
As it stands residents have reported speeding vehicles and near misses between children and cars on Facebook.
One described the situation as a ‘recipe for disaster’
However, Councillor Rob Vernon responded to one resident’s concerns by pointing out that Victoria Road is the primary centre through the area.
“Obviously nobody should be driving at 40 down there but a 20 limit would be completely inappropriate,” he wrote.
A council spokesman said: “We have not received any representation in relation to a call for a crossing at this location but are always willing to look into any concerns that residents may have regarding road safety.
“We take the safety of road users, including pedestrians, the elderly and wheelchair users seriously and, as resources allow, will assess any location where local people feel additional highways safety measures are needed.”