South Gloucestershire Council is asking people who live in Thornbury to share their experiences of getting around the town.
The council wants to understand any barriers which currently prevent local people from making journeys on foot, wheeling (use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair) or by bike.
A new project called Getting About in Thornbury is focused on making improvements which will make it easier for people to walk or cycle for short, local journeys, such as going to the shops or traveling to school.
South Gloucestershire Council has already launched a similar scheme in Yate.
People wanting to take part in the project can go online and complete a Thornbury travel survey. There is also an interactive map where people can identify specific locations where there is an issue or make suggestions for improvements.
Feedback gathered through the survey will be used to produce designs, which will then be the subject to further engagement and consultation with local people later in the year.
Councillor Chris Willmore, cabinet member with responsibility for transport at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We know that many local people want the option to walk or travel by bike, but currently don’t think it is safe. This new project is a real opportunity to improve walking and cycling facilities in Thornbury and also improve accessibility for people using mobility scooters, wheelchairs or pushchairs.
“Thornbury is an historic market town that is full of character and charm making it a great place to live. Lots of families live in Thornbury and we believe there is opportunity to make it a more family friendly environment. There is also opportunity to better connect some of Thornbury’s new developments with older parts of the town. We are keen to hear from local people who know Thornbury best. We want to know where a pedestrian crossing would make the journey to school safer or a dropped kerb would make a visit to the shops easier.
“It’s really important people tell us about opportunities to make it safer for people walking, using wheelchairs, or cycling. Please don’t assume someone else will report an issue they notice which could be improved; let us know. This funding is limited and can only be spent on supporting active and sustainable travel, so we need to prioritise the right improvements in the right places.”
Getting About in Thornbury is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements Fund (CRSTS), administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
The improvements will be focused on areas of Thornbury where there is greatest potential to make a positive difference.
To take part, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/getting-about-in-thornbury
Paper copies of the survey will also be available at Thornbury Library. The survey closes on Monday 10 June.
