Stanley

A recent study undertaken by KPMG, jointly commissioned by English Partnerships and Derwentside District Council, showed that action was needed to maintain the viability and vitality of Stanley. Of particular importance is the closer and more effective integration between the ASDA superstore and the main commercial area, which is presently severed by a busy service road.

The study also proposed that the bus station be re-located to integrate it more effectively with the pedestrianised shopping area on Front Street. The present bus station has poor links to the town centre and has outdated interchange facilities which do not meet the needs of bus operators or users. In addition the lack of commercial attractiveness of many bus routes for journeys to work means that the district is served by a relatively weak public transport service. There is a particular need to enhance public transport provision to major employment sites, such as the Tanfield Lea Industrial Estates.

The National Cycle Network skirts the northern fringe of Stanley but is poorly linked with the town centre, and links for essential journeys between workplace, school and home offer great potential for improvement. In addition the planned KYO Greenways which will link the town centre with Annfield Plain and Tanfield Lea require additional inputs especially in respect of crossing existing highways. Together these initiatives will allow a comprehensive network of cycle routes to be established in and around the town centre.

The measures in Stanley will therefore look to:

• Implement the first phase of the regeneration strategy for Stanley town centre.
• Improve pedestrian safety for shoppers, by eliminating conflict with motorised vehicles.
• Improve access to the shopping area for pedestrians using public transport and for cyclists.
• Encourage the use of public transport, by fully integrating the new bus station with the main shopping area.
• Link the ASDA superstore into the main pedestrianised shopping area.
• Remove traffic congestion at the entrance to the bus station, and rationalise access and parking areas for the ASDA superstore.
• Provide improved disabled access to public transport facilities.
• Enhance public transport services, pedestrian and cycle links to the Tanfield Lea Industrial Estates.
• Increase the attractiveness and accessibility of minor roads to non-vehicular users.
• Greater accessibility for cyclists/pedestrians between Front Street and the National Cycle Network.
• Improve links to the National Cycle Network along the Consett & Sunderland Path.
• Encourage greater use of the National Cycle Network for local trips by cyclists and walkers.
• Encourage cycling into the town centre from the C2C and residential areas in East Stanley.