Chair gives update on 2020 scheme's progress

* The 2020 scheme proposes major changes in the town centre.

The chair of the group aiming to make major changes to traffic and parking in Llangollen claims the plan they are working on will give a £3 million boost to the town over 10 years - equivalent to 128 extra jobs.

In an update on the 2020 scheme for llanblogger, County Councillor Graham Timms also says his team expect to have "very good news" by the end of March this year, leading to construction work starting this autumn of 2021 with completion in early 2022.

He says: "The Llangollen 2020 team is becoming confident that major work will begin later this year, after the summer season. 

"Whilst many projects have been delayed during the ongoing pandemic, the Llangollen 2020 group have been able to continue their work with Denbighshire County Council, Welsh Government and its other key stakeholders. 

"The final detailed plans for the scheme are being drawn up by urban architects and traffic engineers to make the town's ambitions become reality. 

"A financial package which will see more than £2 million invested in the town is in its final crucial stages of being put together with a number of major sources. 

"The team expect to have very good news by the end of March this year, leading to construction work taking place starting in the autumn of 2021 with completion in early 2022. 

"A staged approach to the development over the visitor low season will ensure that our businesses can remain open and disruption to the town is minimised by the construction work. 

"The project vision remains as it has from the start: to develop a safer and more attractive town centre that better meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. 

"The covid-19 pandemic and the need to have a town centre that provides increasing provision for active travel, alongside the climate change agenda have focused everyone's minds sharply on many of these issues."

Cllr Timms adds: "As it stands, the key changes the project will bring about are set out below: 

●       Widen footways / minimise carriageway width to maximise pedestrian space and slow traffic down

●       Install crossing points on Castle Street and across side roads to improve crossing safety, especially for those with disabilities and/or small children

●       Install delivery bays on Castle Street and Market Street

●       Slow vehicle speeds throughout town centre to 20mph(scheduled for 2023)

●       Implement raised bed crossings at major junctions on Castle Street

●       Implement a town centre residents’ parking scheme and 30 minutes free parking 

●       Improve signage to Pavilion and Mill Street car parks to reduce pressure on Market/East Street car parks (and traffic congestion when they’re full)

●       Provide dedicated parking for business owners and staff at Ysgol Dinas Bran for weekends/holidays

●       Declutter signage to improve town appearance 

●       Upgrade the traffic lights at A5/Castle Street junction and the Victoria Square junction to respond to real-time traffic volumes.

●       Provide better cycle and walking routes within the town

●       Provide cycle parking within town centre and electric car charging points in car parks. 

Benefits from these changes are anticipated to include: 

●       £3 million boost for the town over 10 years, equivalent to 128 additional jobs

●       Improved town centre safety

●       Improved town centre air pollution (currently fourth worst spot in North Wales)

●       Improved active travel options.

"One of the Llangollen 2020 proposals that may be a casualty at the design stage is the mini roundabout which was proposed for the Abbey Road/Castle Street junction. There is room for the mini roundabout but it would introduce a number of other significant problems. 

"Whilst it has been shown that it would increase traffic flow through the junction, the Welsh Government advise that it would make it more difficult for pedestrians to cross all roads leading to this junction. The topography of the area also makes it very difficult to introduce a mini roundabout without making substantial changes.

"There will be an opportunity to hear an update on the Llangollen 2020 project on a Cittaslow Community Conversation on 27^th January 2021. More information from townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk."