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Plans to reduce through-traffic and improve cycling options in Shrewsbury would encourage more people to visit the town centre, according to one local family.

Daniel Konn, who lives in Belle Vue with his wife and two children, said he welcomed the proposals outlined in the new Shrewsbury movement and public space strategy.

The document, published by the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, suggests a number of ways of improving the town environment over the coming years, such as lowering speed limits and introducing traffic loops to reduce the number of cars driving straight through the centre of town.

Mr Konn said reducing the speed of traffic in residential streets like Belle Vue Road would make it safer for his children to walk to school.

“It feels very unsafe walking along Belle Vue Road because of the traffic,” he said. “The road is very busy at peak times and the pavements are narrow on one side, and almost non-existent on the other side.

“Families often have pushchairs and scooters, and walk at different speeds, so often end up crammed together, or trying to overtake each other, so the narrow pavement can get very crowded.

“Although most vehicles at these times stick to the 30mph speed limit, this is still too fast for the narrow road and relatively high likelihood of a child falling into the street.

“It feels to us like it is only a matter of time until there is a serious injury due to a child putting a foot down on the road or being knocked into the road, and being hit by a vehicle.

“Furthermore, because of the large volume of traffic, we and our children are being exposed to a lot of vehicle emissions, which we are aware has been shown to cause serious long term effects on childrens' health.”

Mr Konn said the extra pedestrian space created by closing High Street to traffic at weekends meant he and his family enjoyed visiting the town centre at weekends - but they were put off at other times due to the high level of traffic.

He said: “We often go into town between 10am and 4pm at the weekend when the town centre is closed to traffic. However, outside of these times, we avoid going in unless it is necessary due to the volume of traffic that we would pass when walking in and around town – both due to safety and pollution.

“For instance, during school holidays we often think about heading into town with the kids, but then realise it is not a weekend and hence there will be traffic, so then we don’t head in.

“We also like to think of the shops and cafe in Coleham as a local destination for us to spend time. However, the volume of traffic on Belle Vue Road, and also on Longden Road in front of the businesses puts us off, again due to safety and pollution.”

The Shrewsbury movement and public space strategy is currently open for public consultation.

Councillors representing Shrewsbury town centre from all political groups have welcomed a new strategy to transform movement in and around the town.

The Shrewsbury movement and public space strategy - also known as Shrewsbury Moves - has been published by the Big Town Plan Partnership and is currently open for public consultation.

It contains a number of proposals for making the town centre a more pleasant environment over the coming years, such as introducing traffic loops to reduce the amount of traffic driving straight through the town centre, and creating more open public space.

Councillor Ian Nellins, who represents the Conservatives as Shropshire Council deputy leader and is a member of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, said there was a great deal of support for the strategy.

He said: “Since launching the strategy in January, we have been pleased with the response, particularly amongst councillors from all political groups. We have been keen to stress that the strategy is a partnership project - it is not a Shropshire Council proposal and needs to be developed by the community as a whole.

“That’s why it’s so important for people to take some time to look at the strategy and get involved with the consultation so they can have a genuine input into what happens next.”

The consultation is open until March 22, and people can visit an interactive website - shrewsbury.commonplace.is - or view the proposals in St Mary’s Church from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Representatives from the Big Town Plan Partnership will be in the church every Wednesday to answer questions and provide more information.

Councillor Alan Mosley, who represents the Labour Party, is the Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and member of the Big Town Plan Partnership, said: “There are some big ideas in this strategy, which is a step towards delivering the agreed Big Town Plan Masterplan Vision to make the town centre and surrounding areas even better places to live, work, visit and do business.

“It’s been great to see people engaging with the consultation because this is a strategy for everyone connected with Shrewsbury, so it’s vital that everyone has the opportunity to get involved and I can give an assurance that all inputs will be taken into account.”

Councillor Julian Dean, who represents the Green Party on Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council, said: “I urge residents to look at the whole plan. 

“The public transport proposals could be a game changer and the emphasis on better walking and cycling options for town - especially for those in the North - are really welcome.

“We will need to fight for proper funding for this and that will be easier if lots of residents have their say and the plan gets developed, perhaps improved, with residents’ help.”

Councillor Rob Wilson, who represents the Liberal Democrats on Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council, said: “The Shrewsbury Moves strategy is a really positive step forward. I have long argued for a holistic approach to transport in the town, and this plan offers hope for one.

“The town faces a number of interdependent issues which will only be resolved with bold action - doing nothing isn’t an option.

“Through this strategy, we can help build a thriving and resilient transport system for our town, and I would encourage everyone - especially young people - to get involved with the consultation on the future of our community.”

Have you been to the Shrewsbury Moves consultation space in St Mary’s Church yet?

Large boards explaining the movement and public space strategy will be on display every day the church is open until the end of the consultation on 22nd March.

Additionally, members of the Big Town Plan Partnership will be at the display to answer questions on Saturday 10th February between 10am and 4pm, and every Wednesday (10am to 4pm) throughout the consultation period.

Keep an eye out for the Shrewsbury Moves Town Trail around the town centre too!