First look at “Llangollen 2020: Castle Street project” town centre improvements proposed

A consultation on proposed improvements to an historic North Wales town centre has brought a first glimpse of what they’ll look like.

Llangollen 2020 Castle Street improvement scheme is designed to increase access to the town and make it more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposals would see pavements widened and street parking removed in most areas, save for a loading bay on Market Street, which would become one-way in a westerly direction between Castle Street and East Street.

The removal of on-street parking would be offset by 14 time-limited spaces in Market Street car park for those wanting to pop into town briefly.

Temporary measures to change traffic flows and install temporary barriers to increase the room ro pedestrians has caused a bitter row in the town, with reports of people being injured because of the new measures.

However Denbighshire council is pushing on with more permanent changes in order to facilitate easier pedestrian access than currently afforded by the town’s narrow pavements.

The three-week consultation on the plans started today (Tuesday) and runs until July 6.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire council’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, said: “For the past three years the council has been working closely with the Llangollen 2020 group to develop these proposals.
“We want as many members of the community to have their say on the latest plans for the project
“Funding is in place to deliver the scheme in the autumn and winter of 2021-22.
“However, no final decision has yet been taken by the council on whether to proceed with the scheme, as this will be dependent upon the outcome of the consultation with any final decision being made by the council’s cabinet.”
“High quality” widened pavements along Castle Street and removing on street parking are designed to reduce congestion according the council.

Other proposals include introducing a number of dropped kerbs along Castle Street, reducing traffic speeds by raising the road surface at some side road junctions and well as providing two loading bays for businesses on Castle Street, together with two disabled parking spaces near Castle Street.

A public exhibition will be held on Castle Street near the Town Hall between Monday, June 21, and Friday, June 25.

It will open between 10am and 4pm daily, except for Wednesday, June 23, when it will run from 10am until 7pm.

Local businesses will be canvassed for their opinions on the scheme next week.

You can have your say about the proposals at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/600.

Paper copies will be available at the public exhibition and can also be requested by contacting Denbighshire council on 01824 706000.
Copies of the plans will be displayed in the windows between the Royal Hotel and Fouzi’s at the Bridge Street/Castle Street junction for the duration of the three-week consultation.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter