Council submits £12m bid to improve travelling around Woking

Surrey County Council has submitted a £12m bid to spherical two of the federal government’s Levelling Up Fund, aimed toward enhancing strolling, biking and bus services within the east of Woking.

New infrastructure would create extra space and safer hyperlinks between Woking city centre, Sheerwater and West Byfleet for strolling and biking. Crossings and paths can be improved, together with the introduction of latest parking services for bikes and free bike schemes to assist residents to journey extra actively.

Funding can also be being sought to enhance east Woking’s bus shelters by putting in reside departure screens and making them extra accessible, and for upgrading visitors indicators to detect late-running buses and alter sign timings of their favour.

Matt Furniss, Cupboard Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Financial system mentioned, “This funding would make an actual distinction to our residents in Sheerwater who would have the ability to entry different elements of Woking extra simply alongside protected, accessible and engaging strolling and biking paths. We additionally hope that upgrading bus services will encourage extra individuals to decide on buses to get round.

“This funding bid is a part of our ongoing dedication to put money into lively journey services which reduce the necessity to journey by automotive, to assist cut back carbon emissions and to enhance the well being and wellbeing of our residents.

“A spread of different lively journey schemes are already underway throughout the county together with on the A23 in Redhill, Park Street in Stanwell and in Reigate & Banstead, Spelthorne, Runnymede, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Waverley.”

Jonathan Lord, MP for Woking added, “It’s nice to see Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council working collectively to ship the East Woking Transport Scheme and I urge the federal government to approve the funding bid. Residents and companies alike will profit from the scheme, which is able to assist us meet our carbon discount and financial development targets, enhance well being and wellbeing, be sure that areas of deprivation are levelled up, present entry to jobs and improve the variety of individuals in our city centre.”

Woking Borough Council’s Deputy Chief, Cllr Will Forster, mentioned: “Sheerwater is a neighbourhood that’s largely lower off from the encompassing areas. The canal runs down one aspect and a trainline the opposite, that means that entry out and in is restricted to both finish. Many residents, as recognized by GP session suggestions, would not have entry to their very own transport, and subsequently it is very important convey important well being companies to Sheerwater.” 

The Levelling Up Fund is designed to put money into infrastructure that improves on a regular basis life throughout the UK. If the bid is profitable, the schemes can be delivered by March 2025 and embrace a ten% contribution from Surrey County Council. A choice is predicted within the autumn.