Help shape rural travel hubs in Cambridgeshire villages
Sawston and Oakington are to benefit from improved travel links as a project to better connect villages to Cambridge gets under way.
The proposed pilot ‘rural travel hubs’ would improve public transport and cycling or walking routes in the villages.
It’s part of a scheme by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), which is asking people to help design the hubs.
Cllr Francis Burkitt, chair of the GCP’s executive board, said: “We’re delighted that by working with our partners we’re progressing the first wave of rural travels hubs in our region, which will provide a viable alternative to travelling by car in rural areas.”
The community’s views on the location and features of a rural travel hub, including CCTV, toilets, lighting, surfacing, covered or lockable cycle parking, passenger waiting shelters, real-time information and public transport links will be fed into a full business case for each site.
Cllr Peter Topping, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We are really pleased with the level of engagement and ideas that have already come from our parish councils.
“Our rural communities can and should be better connected, and we know they have great ideas we need to continue to tap into.
“We now want to use these ideas to help make sure the proposed rural travel hubs are a success. This is your chance to give your views on everything from CCTV to toilets.”
The project team will also address issues around protecting the local environment, design, access and conservation.
Another travel hub could also be developed in Linton as part of the GCP’s Cambridge South East Study and a rail travel hub is also being considered for Foxton level crossing.
The GCP has also agreed to fund 200 additional cycle parking spaces at Whittlesford station, and to commission a transport masterplan for the station and its surrounding area, which could also include a rural travel hub for the village.
Any community organisations or members who want to get involved with the project can contact the project team by emailing contactus@greatercambridge.org.uk or calling 01223 699906.
The feedback is expected to be reported at the end of the year.
More information about rural travel hubs is available by visiting greatercambridge.org.uk.