RESIDENTS called on for ideas on cycling and walking improvements in the Royal Borough after previous plans were heavily rejected.

A ‘big conversation’ is planned by the council and wants to hear the views from locals on how they can spend the £335,000 active travel fund from government to upgrade its cycling and walking infrastructure.

A public consultation will be held later this year and will include the opportunity to put forward ideas on how best to spend the grant.

Everyone can submit their views both online and postal.

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A consultation earlier this year saw thousands of people respond to a number of proposed walking and cycling schemes.

Residents heavily rejected two low traffic neighbourhoods in West Windsor and a bus gate on Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead.

However, one of the school streets schemes in Maidenhead, and a pedestrian crossing, were supported.

Councillor Gerry Clark, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “We want to deliver the right schemes in our communities and are committed to opening up a wider conversation with residents and to invite their proposals for active travel schemes that would benefit their local areas.

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“When considering schemes, we prioritise what will support residents’ lives; what will support new house building; what will help meet our commitments to tackling climate change, and what will help support our local economy recovery post-COVID.

“Residents know their communities the best and, when the consultation gets underway, I would encourage as many people as possible to take part.”

Suggestions could cover areas such as encouraging people to leave their cars at home, walking to school more frequently, and segregated cycle lanes.

Before commencing wider engagement with residents, ward councillors will be asked to put forward potential schemes that meet the criteria which they believe could benefit residents.