A project to create a new cycling and walking facility in the Middleton conservation area has moved up a gear, with work now underway.
The scheme, in St Leonard’s Street, will see £220,000 invested in the area, with new paving being installed, to create a cycling and walking route from Morton Street, past the historic St Leonard’s Church, through to Long Street.
The scheme, which has been funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, will also see the installation of bollards at each end of the scheme to prevent cars from travelling through.
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The project has been welcomed by local councillors, who worked with the council’s highways team to bring the investment into the area, as well as the Friends of Jubilee Park and the team at St Leonard’s Church.
The existing road is being made level with the pavements, to create a flat, easy-to-navigate area, which will also have an anti-skid surface.
The first layer of cycleway has already been laid, but the finished product will look very different. It will have a golden, sandy colour which has been approved by conservation specialists as being in keeping with the heritage look of the wider area. The scheme is expected to be complete by the end of February.
North Middleton Councillor Kallum Nolan said: “This is not a through route, so it’s not commonly used by traffic, but its current surface means it’s also difficult to navigate on foot or bike, so it’s not currently serving the residents in this area well. Unfortunately, this area has also been blighted with fly-tipping and has seen a number of thefts of the old York stone flags in recent months, so we expect that blocking off the traffic will significantly alleviate these issues.
“By working with TfGM to create this fantastic new scheme, we will create a lovely walking and cycling route, which will take people close to some of Middleton’s most picturesque heritage areas, including Jubilee Park, St Leonard’s Church and Long Street, with its historic Methodist School.”
Middleton has also benefited from the multi-million pound regeneration of many of its historic sites in recent years, including a series of properties designed by the late architect Edgar Wood, the exedra in Jubilee Park, the Sam Bamford monument and the Long Street Methodist School.
Geoff Wellens, deputy church warden at St Leonard’s Church, said: "I’ve been today to admire the resurfacing of St Leonard’s Brow and St and St Leonard’s Passage. In three weeks, when the next surface is laid, it’ll be a fabulous asset to Middleton.”
Simon Bennett, from the friends of Jubilee Park, said: “We’re encouraged to see this work in this historic part of the town and greatly appreciate Councillor Nolan and everyone who has worked on this project. We can’t wait to see the finished product, which will really enhance Jubilee Park and St Leonard’s Church.”
