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We're Making Spaces for People!

At South Ayrshire Council we're working with Sustrans Scotland to make temporary changes to our streets, which will make it safer for you to walk and cycle .

The temporary measures will help to protect public health, and support physical distancing as we transition out of lockdown.

It will also make it easier and safer for people to get around for essential journeys and exercise.

Temporary changes could include removing parking to create extra footway space; pavement widening; and larger waiting areas outside pharmacies, health centres, schools or shops.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "With more of us walking and cycling as a result of the pandemic, now is the ideal time to make our streets even more suitable for active travel.

"These are temporary measures, but they could make a big difference, as we look to keep people safe and encourage exercise at the same time.

"Some of the measures could be in place for up to 18 months, so it's important that residents have their say on the proposals and make their own suggestions.

"Thanks to Scottish Government, we have £510,000 to spend on temporary infrastructure, and I am hopeful the funding will stretch across multiple projects."

We're looking for your feedback to identify places in your neighbourhood that could be improved, and suggestions on what else we can do to help you.

To learn more and have your say go to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations

The consultation is now open and will close on Friday 30 October 2020.

If you would like support to add your comments, please contact Ayrshire Roads Alliance on 01563 503160.

The Spaces for People programme is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland.

Posted on 29th July 2020

by South Ayrshire Council

Successful funding bids will help to make walking, cycling and wheeling safer during Covid-19

East and South Ayrshire Councils have been successful in their funding bids to Spaces for People, a new, temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland which offers funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during Covid-19.

East Ayrshire has received £555,000 and South Ayrshire £510,000.

The Spaces for People programme is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland. It helps public bodies such as councils to put measures in place that focus on protecting public health, supporting physical distancing and preventing a second wave of the outbreak.

Projects will look at key areas which could be improved that are part of essential journeys. Ayrshire Roads Alliance is currently reviewing possible measures which could be put in place and all suggestions put forward by communities will be considered. Priority areas for temporary pavement widening and enhanced waiting areas will be considered at:

  • Pharmacies and health centres
  • Key services and public buildings
  • Access to shops
  • Access to schools
  • Pinch points on pavements

    • Other measures could include:

  • Selective road closures using planters or cones
  • Reallocating road space for wider footways
  • Reallocating road space for cycle tracks
  • Reallocating parking and loading
  • Reduced speed limits and/or traffic calming measures
  • Cycle parking

    • Web pages are being specifically created for East and South Ayrshire Councils on the Sustrans Spaces for People website which will be ready to view in the next few weeks. Residents will then be able to leave comments on any proposals put forward by the Councils or suggest any locations in which they think improvements could be made in relation to social distancing for people who are walking, cycling or wheeling.

    Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure at East Ayrshire Council, said: “ We greatly welcome this funding which will allow us to deliver visible improvements with immediate benefits in a short time frame. We look forward to receiving suggestions and comments from local residents once the web pages are up and running soon and we’ll also be consulting our Inclusive Design Advisor to take into consideration the needs of people who have mobility issues. ”

    Councillor Ian Cochrane, Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “ With more of us using active travel during the lockdown for essential trips and exercise, this is the ideal time to develop our infrastructure. Walking and cycling should be given more priority, as we move away from an over-reliance on vehicles. This funding will help encourage people to continue their active travel, long after the lockdown has lifted, which is a boost for mental and physical wellbeing. ”

    Posted on 14th July 2020

    by South Ayrshire Council