Barnstaple Train Station Project Safeguards Cyclists

Plans to change the train station that would have made walking and cycling more dangerous have been changed by councillors at the North Devon Highways Committee on 6th December. Devon County Council can now make sure the scheme is safe for everyone, whether they travel by train, bus, bike or on foot.  

Councillor Caroline Leaver says “The County Council developed plans for the Train Station without really taking on board the implications for road safety or the worries of local residents.” 

Cllr David Knight added “What the council had planned to do was to change a quiet residential street into a main thoroughfare for buses without taking notice of the real concerns of local residents.”

County Councillor Frank Biederman expressed satisfaction that adjustments were made to prevent potential dangers for Tarka Trail users accessing the town centre on bikes or walking.

Discussed at the North Devon Highways Committee meeting the decision was made not to end buses down Sticklepath Terrace. This decision aims to encourage train and bus use while keeping all road users safe.”

Councillor Caroline Leaver’s amended proposal was carried 5 votes to 3.

She says “What I hope happens now is that Devon County Council will come up with plans that address the concerns of local residents and keep the roads safe for people who live there, walk there and cycle there.”