Cheshire East and Stockport Councils would like your views on plans to improve transport across north Cheshire, Stockport and south east Manchester, through their SEMMM strategy (South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy).
In order to improve transport networks they are updating their strategy to identify transport priorities across south east Manchester until 2040 and reflect changes in the way people travel, growth in businesses and homes, as well as changes to the planning frameworks.
Today they have launched a joint consultation, which will run until Monday 2nd July, and they are asking local people for their views on these planned updates. This will run in tandem with the consultation on Cheshire East Council's local transport plan so residents in Cheshire East now have the opportunity to comment on both plans.
Setting out a range of projects to improve public transport, as well as road, walking and cycle links, the strategy seeks to address transport issues identified by residents in the first stage of consultation in late 2017, and gives residents the chance to have their say on the final package of measures that will be included in the strategy.
Whilst each of the projects identified is seen as important, this consultation does not give a green light for work to begin on any of them. Each project will be subject to its own consultation as it progresses and business cases are developed.
Mark Glynn, Strategic Head of Place Management at Stockport Council said: "Stockport's connectivity, and its links across our region, is one of the town's great strengths and we want to make sure we build on this for the future, making it easy for everyone to not only travel around the area but also benefit from new jobs and opportunities that become available.
"I'd encourage everyone to get involved and have their say on our plans for the future."
Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East cabinet member for environment, said: "We are keen to hear the views of as wide a range of stakeholders, partners, residents and other agencies as possible in order to inform both strategies.
"Both the LTP and the SEMMM strategy will provide a framework for strategic transport schemes benefitting Cheshire East and so we need to ensure these two major pieces of work are complementary and that we maximise public engagement.
"I would urge people to take advantage of the opportunity to influence the decision-makers and make their suggestions as to how best to shape travel and transport plans in their community."
Residents are able to have their say online at www.semmms.info or by attending one of the drop-in events that will be running.
Residents and all those interested can find out about both projects at public events being held at Honford Hall in Handforth from 2pm to 7pm on Thursday 31st May and Wilmslow Library from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesday 20th June. Infrastructure and highways planners will be on hand to discuss concerns with visitors.
In addition, Cheshire East residents can find out more about LTP online.
Photo: Construction work taking place on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road.
