RESIDENTS and businesses are being reassured that no decision has yet been taken on draft proposals which aim to encourage active travel in certain towns.

The Welsh Government has provided funding to local authorities for introducing measures that will help enable people to maintain social distancing in public places, and to encourage residents to walk and cycle safely. The funding allows councils to bring in temporary measures to support this.

Plans have been drawn up for Rhyl, Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen and many people have shared their views on social media and other platforms about the proposals.

Short-term, temporary changes for Rhyl include creating improved shared space for pedestrians and cyclists in key areas of Rhyl between the railway station and the seafront.

This will be through the installation of temporary ‘lane defender’ systems in the following locations:

The Eastern side of Bodfor Street and Queen Street

The Northern side of Wellington Road, between Elwy Street and High Street

Along West Parade, between Water Street and High Street.

The proposals will allow the council to:

  • Widen pavements in areas where they are narrow, to facilitate social distancing
  • Create shared space for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Encourage and support commuters, residents and tourists to choose active travel (walking or cycling) as their main means of getting around town

Document, Local Sustainable Transport response to Covid-19: Proposals for Rhyl, states: "To understand how businesses and residents/visitors in Denbighshire feel as communities begin to look for a ‘new normal’ the council launched a survey on June 21 to ask people for their thoughts. To date, over 130 responses have been received from businesses and local residents.

"Although people generally feel safe in town centres (with 78 per cent of local business respondents and 80 per cent of local residents saying they were either satisfied or very satisfied with how safe their town centre feels), nearly half of respondents who left a comment expressed concerns about the width of pavements and over 60 per cent expressed concerns about social distancing.

"80 per cent of residents said they were visiting town centres to carry out essential tasks only, and 65 per cent of businesses said they felt quieter than usual.

"The survey is ongoing and will track people’s opinions over the next few months however these early responses indicate that there is a need to do more to support communities back into their local town centres."

Cllr Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Keeping people safe is a key priority for the council and the council believes the proposed measures will help people feel safe when visiting our town centres and encourage them to stay longer."

Denbighshire County Council will be consulting with town businesses and residents on the proposals before making a final decision.

The measures will be temporary and will stay in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visit countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk for further details about each scheme and follow the link to an online survey.

Deadline is July 24.