Councillors in Bakewell have been proposing radical solutions to help combat severe congestions in the busy town centre, after a study on the problem was recently released.
The council recently hired a consultant – at a cost of £5,000 – to investigate congestion issues plaguing the small market town. The report outlines several ideas including banning HGV vehicles from crossing the 800 year old bridge spanning the River Wye, and moving the town’s two main car parks to the other side of the river, freeing up to 180 spaces for development. Over 2 million people visit the town over the year and the roads quickly become clogged with extra cars, especially during the summer months.
Residents of the town have been invited to a meeting that is being hosted in early March to view the proposals and suggest their own solutions. Any member or community groups present in the meeting are free to discuss any issues that might be raised.
Frank Hall, Town Mayor, said that some proposals were being considered because many locals have been concerned about congestion for many years. The Council are already making steps to combat the growing problem and hope the recent plans to extend the Monsal trail bicycle path will make the town more pedestrian friendly.
The consultancy was provided by The Peak District National Park Authority, and a Management Group has been formed with the intent of overseeing major projects to improve the town. The group contains representatives from the Town Council, The Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales Council, Derbyshire County Council and several local businesses and organisations.