'Bold' new plans for improving the quality and appearance of Alsager town centre have been developed and are now out for consultation with residents and businesses.

The public realm plans aim to create an "attractive and high quality" hub of the community, prioritising pedestrians over drivers, thus encouraging residents and visitors to take part in the wide range of activities and experiences which, in normal times, the town centre offers.

Proposals include creating a clearer definition of the town centre space by introducing gateways and a different surface treatment for pavements and roads, a 20mph speed limit, wider pavements and more crossings, better visual and physical access between street and park and buildings, improved accessibility, and use of public art to give the town a clear unique identity.

The proposals are a direct result of policies in the Alsager Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved by the town in a referendum in February 2020.

Alsager Town Council funded Xanthe Quayle landscape architects to develop the policies into concrete proposals which would help the town centre become "more vibrant, prosperous and sustainable".

These proposals were developed with councillors and residents, and support from Cheshire East officers, over the period September 2019 to January 2020.

Covid-19 has put the consultation on hold, but the town council is now "confident" that a "satisfactory" consultation can take place, largely online at present, but also with opportunities to view the proposals when the Alsager Civic can be used again.

All households will receive a leaflet and survey about the consultation, which lasts until 31 May.

Everyone is encouraged to give their views and, if possible, to complete the survey online.

A short YouTube video of the plans can be accessed here or you can access the survey here.