Proposals to improve journeys around Greater Manchester towns announced - how to have your say

A series of proposals designed to improve journeys in three Greater Manchester towns have been announced by Transport for Greater Manchester. The plans for Heywood, Royton and Ashton-under-Lyne isare hopedhoped to benefit journeys for walkers, cyclists and bus users. 

Amongst the proposals are a new pedestrian crossing and extra bus stops in Heywood. To improve journeys on foot, TfGM also plan to widen footpaths around the town centre. 

Other changes could include planting more trees and plants in Royton town centre to make it a greener place to be and create a more welcoming environment. Cyclists in Ashton will have a new ‘quiet route’ – a route with very light traffic and low speeds which riders can safely share with motor vehicles.

The transport authority hope that these changes will speed up bus journeys and make getting around the towns easier in general. Members of the public have been invited to give feedback on these proposals, which can be done through the TfGM website. 

Stephen Rhodes, director of bus at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Our plans for Heywood Town Centre are aimed at improving journeys for people whether they are on a bus, on foot or on a bike by making them quicker, safer and more accessible and we will also improve journeys for all road users – including drivers – by reducing congestion.  

“The aim is to make bus journeys more reliable, comfortable and convenient, while making it easier and safer for those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel to their destinations. I’d urge people to have their say on these proposals so we can ensure their views are taken into account as the scheme moves forward.”

Changes proposed for Heywood town centre

• Bamford Road roundabout: Removal of the roundabout, installation of traffic signals and pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities 
• Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way: Conversion to a bus only access section of highway (known as a bus gate), with access for pedestrians and cyclists, including the installation of additional crossing facility.  
• Hartley Street: Conversion to a one-way street northbound, north of the market car park access, to support movement around the bus gate on Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way 
• Market Street / Hill Street: Installation of a bus stop on Market Street across the junction of Hill Street, closing Hill Street to through traffic and creating a new car park with designated bay parking made accessible via Fox Street. 
• Additional pedestrian crossings and widening of footways in strategic locations for greater accessibility around the town. 
• Upgrading existing bus stops across the town centre. 

Royton

• Improved bus stops along the route to help people access the bus network.  
•  A new southbound (towards Oldham) bus stop in Royton between Byron Street and High Barn Street to help people get on and off the bus nearer the town centre shops and businesses.  
• An improved, accessible northbound bus stop in Royton with a more comfortable waiting area.  
• Improvements to Royton town centre, with more trees and plants, in order to make it a greener place to be which creates a more welcoming environment.
• Wider footways with better surfaces and seating areas to make Royton town centre more accessible for everyone.  
• A review of parking and loading restrictions will be carried out to ensure they support the proposals described above.  

Ashton

• Improved bus stops along the corridor, to help people access the bus network.  
• A new walking/cycling off-road track adjacent to Springwood Way, to improve connection to the old disused railway line from Ashton to Park Bridge   
• A quiet route for cyclists via Wellington Clough.  
• Changes to road layouts around Turner Lane to improve navigation and safety for all road users.  
• Improved cycle and pedestrian crossing points along and across the A627, with improved footways.  
• A review of parking and loading restrictions will be carried out to ensure they support the proposals described above.