Have a say in Raploch design

Raploch residents are being asked for their views on a radical redesign project which could transform their community.

They have been invited to take part in a feedback session on Tuesday, November 22 which aims to redesign Raploch Road and the wider Forth Valley College link along Drip Road.

The project is being delivered as part of the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling programme of ambitious improvements for improving access and routes for walking and cycling across the city.

Run in partnership by Stirling Council and Sustrans Scotland, the Raploch Street Design Project is funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans’Street Design programme.

Since the project launched in September, the team has received hundreds of comments and suggestions from residents, business owners, school pupils and community groups through events and activities held locally and online.

Using this feedback, the team are now keen to develop these ideas into designs, and are asking for more public feedback on the proposals.

The event is being held at St Mark’s Parish Church on Drip Road where people can drop-in anytime between 3.30pm and 8pm to meet the team, view the information gathered so far and discuss solutions to the barriers identified.

There are design workshops from 3.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 7pm to develop design ideas through facilitated discussion, maps and models.

No design experience is required, just ideas and a passion to make great

Grand designs change. A bike mechanic, provided by Recyke-a-Bike, will also be on hand to provide on-the-spot, free bike checks and minor repairs from 3pm to 5pm.Councillor Jim Thomson, convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee said: “It’s vital the public have their say on any project like this, and Sustrans are making that possible by inviting the local community to come out and give their opinions.“We want to make it easier for people to have healthy transport options that not only change lives, but protect the environment.“To do that, it takes real change, and we want to make sure our residents are helping shape the conversation around how we do that.”Mette Moeller, Sustrans Scotland Street Design Project Co-ordinator added:“After the successful launch of Raploch Street Design project in September, Sustrans and the council have been collecting feedback from the community through a range of engagement activities and surveys.“Comments have been wide-ranging and are fundamental in helping us to understand current barriers to walking, cycling, wheeling and socialising in the local area.“We now want to develop solutions to these barriers and would encourage everyone to get involved at their local events.”