Proposals to transform Bath’s Widcombe Parade into a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists – and so boost local trade – go on display this Saturday.
The scheme for the A36 Rossiter Road will take through traffic, including HGVs, away from Widcombe Parade. As a result, significant improvements can be made to the area to support local businesses and revitalise part of the city blighted for decades by traffic. 
The plans are on display at the Natural Theatre Studio, Widcombe Hill (opposite St. Matthews Church) between 2pm and 7pm.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for transport, Cllr Caroline Roberts said: “The council has worked closely with the Widcombe Association and traders to create a scheme that will make Widcombe Parade a far more pleasant, safe and welcoming environment for people on foot and cyclists. This will also help traders as people are more likely to shop here as a result.
“What people can expect on Widcombe Parade is low traffic speeds, new crossings, high-quality paving materials, improved parking and delivery arrangements together with two-way cycle access on the carriageway eastbound and a contraflow cycle lane to provide two-way cycling as part of a widened footway westbound.
“A landmark tree will also be put in place at the end of the Parade, close to the Halfpenny Bridge. Our timescale for completion is end of 2014. We really hope that people can come and see the proposals.”
Widcombe Association chairman Paddy Doyle added: “After more than 30 years of unstinting effort on our part, we are delighted that final detailed designs are now available for this project.
“The council has put forward some very attractive proposals that will have huge benefits for all who use Widcombe village centre. I urge everyone who has an interest in improving the environment of the Parade to visit the exhibition and see for themselves what is proposed.”
The proposals will also be on the council’s website from this Friday – www.bathnes.gov.uk/widcombescheme
