Following the consultation on this scheme in January and February, the council is now moving to the next stage, which is a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This is a legal process where people can formally comment, and where any objections must be considered.   

In the consultation, most people who responded were in favour of the proposals. Nearly 350 responses were received, and around three quarters of them were positive or very positive about the proposals for both Copson Street and Rutherford Place.

Fuller feedback from the consultation is available on the www.manchester.gov.uk/TRO

Download the updated designs for Copson Street and Rutherford Place here.

Changes made to proposals for Copson Street

The council is reversing the one-way along Copson Street (which currently runs east to west, and which will instead become west to east) to reduce the risk of it being used as a cut-through. Reversing the current one-way will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists as motorists will have better visibility. It will also prevent motorists from using Copson Street as a rat-run to avoid queuing at the signal-controlled Wilmslow Road/Burton Road/Palatine Road junction.

In the survey, some people asked if Copson Street could be fully pedestrianised, but this is not possible because access is required for Surcon House.

Some people also asked whether the whole of Copson Street could be included – the budget for this scheme does not allow any more work than is already planned, but this may be possible in the future if funding can be identified.

Changes made to proposals for Rutherford Place

Following the consultation, the design has been changed, making Davenport Avenue one way towards Wilmslow Road. Davenport Avenue is narrow with on street parking, and there would be limited space for vehicles to turn around if it was closed at the junction with Wilmslow Road. Making it one way towards Wilmslow Road will deter non-local traffic from cutting through. 

Traffic flow has also been changed on Wellington Road and Rippingham Road, with Wellington one way southbound and Rippingham Road one way northbound to allow local traffic to flow more freely. The positioning of trees and furniture has also changed to create a more accessible and flexible space, with room for events and spill out. 

The updated designs can be viewed on the Council’s website: www.manchester.gov.uk/TRO , and in Withington Library, along with the TRO legal documents. 

It will be advertised in the Manchester Evening News, and also on lighting columns in the area.

Comments on the scheme can be made by emailing withington.village@manchester.gov.uk