Council’s £100k plan to widen pavements
Measures will make social distancing easier
Social distancing could soon be made easier thanks to council plans to spend £ 100,000 on widening pavements.
People would be able to keep their distance much easier thanks to broader footpaths in busy areas.
Board papers have detailed proposals to widen pavements across Paisley, Johnstone, Renfrew and Elderslie with £105,000 Renfrewshire Council has been awarded through the Spaces for People programme.
The programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans, offers support to new and temporary infrastructure projects that will make it safer for people to walk or cycle during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Work could include removing pedestrian guardrails or banning parking in certain areas to allow the width of pavements to be extended.
Temporary barriers may also need to be installed at some locations to assist people in maintaining physical distancing.
Documents presented to the emergencies board say precise locations for improvements have been chosen, but the council has said it cannot reveal exact details of projects at this stage.
A council spokesman said: “We’re delighted our application to the Spaces for
People fund has been accepted as we look to ensure local areas are able to facilitate physical distancing.
“The final nature and location of projects across Renfrewshire are currently being finalised and will be announced in due course.”
Local authority bosses have said details about the projects will be made public once they have been fully outlined to officers.
It is anticipated works will begin within the next fortnight in line with a delivery of new barriers. Locations have been selected based on an assessment of the local environment, current footpath wi d t h and obstructions on the pavement which make social distancing around busy spots more challenging.
Council chiefs have also announced they are applying for funding to try and create new cyclepaths across Renfrewshire, with around 14 different routes connecting towns and villages currently being looked at.
Proposals are being developed for a route between Houston and Bridge of Weir to give students at Gryffe High School a possible alternative to public transport when they return in August.
The idea has received backing from councillors across all parties.
Councillor Audrey Doig (pictured left) who represents Houston, said: “This cyclepath will undoubtedly be a boon for pupils at Gryffe High and I know that the staff will welcome this too.”
We are delighted our applications to the Spaces for People fund has been accepted