RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on new walking and cycling routes as part of plans to make everyday journeys more appealing.

Following the successful installation of protected cycling lanes along Chester Lane, Jubits Lane and Clock Face Road in 2020 - which have recorded more than 500,000 trips since opening - St Helens Borough Council is seeking views on initial proposals for two more active travel routes to connect Lea Green to Whiston Hospital, and Jubits Lane to Widnes.

The project, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Department for Transport, would link to planned and emerging active travel routes in neighbouring areas such as Halton, Knowsley and Wigan, eventually joining-up to a network of more than 30 key routes across the Liverpool City Region.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Cllr Andy Bowden, said: “Data shows that two thirds of all journeys taken in the Liverpool City Region are less than three miles, with around half still taken by car.

"With this in mind, we’re making a conscious effort to make greener travel the go-to choice for residents and visitors to our borough for shorter trips by creating safe and accessible cycling and walking routes to key locations which in turn improves health, air quality, tackles congestion, and is one of many initiatives in response to the climate emergency.

“This is evident through a number of recent improvement schemes we’ve carried out during the past couple of years – not forgetting the ongoing St Helens Southern Gateway project at Lea Green to install seven new cycle routes and a new cycle-friendly signalised junction, along with a new station building at Lea Green and an enhanced park and ride facility.

“Like any proposed development, it is important that the public form part of the process from the earliest opportunity, which is why we’d welcome any constructive feedback to help strengthen plans and make them the best they can be for all concerned.”

Anyone interested in finding out about the two proposed active travel routes and potential changes to traffic routes and parking in the area is invited to attend drop-in events for each route where council officers will be available to answer questions and discuss design concepts.

Lea Green to Whiston Route - Wednesday, July 6, 4pm to 8pm: Court Village Hall, off Stratton Drive, St Helens WA9 5ST.

Jubits Lane to Widnes route - Thursday, July 7, 4pm to 8pm: St Michaels Church Hall, Gartons Lane, Clock Face, St Helens WA9 4RA.

An online exhibition via Microsoft Teams will also be held for the Lea Green to Whiston route on Wednesday, July 13 from 7.30pm to 8.10pm, with a similar event for the Jubits Lane route taking place on Thursday, July 14 at the same time.

If you would like to attend either of these events, please register your interest by e-mailing planningtransport@sthelens.gov.uk before Friday, July 8, indicating which session you’d like to attend.

For more information and the questionnaire, visit sthelens.gov.uk/activetravel