Following the consultation on the public realm proposals for Alsager, the town council has approved further exploratory work to be undertaken by the working group and council committees.

The survey which opened in early March and closed on 31 May 2021 received a total of 1,355 completed responses.

The Public Realm Working Group was created to work with consultants Xanthe Quayle on proposals to develop the town centre.

The 'Reclaiming the Road' proposals had been recommended as an action from the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.

The objectives of the proposed scheme are to:

- Increase footfall with the town centre - to keep it as a vibrant hub.

- To make the town safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists - prioritising them over drivers, whilst enabling the traffic to flow freely.

- Improve the attractiveness of the town.

- Ensure people know what the town has to offer - park, walking routes, shops, activities.

The "poor state" of the roads and pavements were raised by a "large proportion" of residents which aligns with aspirations in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Eighty businesses commented on the requirement to resurface the roads and pavements in Alsager in a survey carried out by the Town Centre Manager.

There were some suggestions which residents mainly objected to, and these will not be pursued:

- Move the bus stop into Milton Park.

- Use the crescent by Milton Park as an informal play area.

- Parking ban in the park.

- Create a pavilion within the park.

An Alsager Town Council spokesperson said: "There is a large amount of work to be undertaken to consider whether other proposals will positively contribute to the objectives of the scheme and the town council is consulting with many other groups, voluntary organisations and Cheshire East Council to seek information.

"It must be stressed the plan is still being worked on."

Full report on the analysis can be found on the town council website.

Nub News reported last month that councillors hit back at claims that the town council "failed" to reach out to Alsager's younger generations during the town's public realm consultation.