Residents and businesses are invited to two-drop in sessions at the Lache Community Centre, to view emerging designs to manage traffic.

On Saturday 22 February from 10am-1pm and Thursday 27 February, from 4pm-7pm, residents will provide their input on improving the area's safety and the way it looks.

Following input from a local residents stakeholder group, proposals will be shared and comments gathered.

There is a survey available with plans, to view online until Sunday 9 March 2025 here.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe said: "The Lache Action Plan has been driven by Lache residents throughout its development, and this is continuing with the development of designs for road improvements.

"These designs are now being shared more widely for comment, and I'd like to thank the focus group of residents who have helped to shape them so far.

"I hope that more Lache residents take the opportunity to have their say on these designs.

"The Council will take feedback onboard and is keen to make sure that the road designs reflect the wishes of residents."

Pell Frischmann was commissioned by the council to lead the design development, following the endorsement of the Lache Action Plan in November 2023.

Previous consultation with residents and schools identified concerns over congestion, and pavement parking on Cliveden Road, Downsfield Road, Hawthorn Road and Poplar Road, making it feel unsafe for children to walk and cycle to school.  

Many residents raised concerns about the large speed pads and roundabout junction at the heart of Lache.

The proposed changes include a crossing on Cliveden Road near to shops/Sycamore Park, and the replacing roundabout with a cross-junction to 'reclaim' some of the road for planting.

This could improve the appearance of the area, making it safer to cross the road whilst also retaining space for loading and short-stay parking.

There is also the creation of a one-way loop along Downsfield Road, Hawthorn Road and Poplar Road, with marked parking bays on Hawthorn Road.

The aim would be to reduce congestion and parking in front of residents' driveways, making it feel safer to walk, wheel or cycle to local amenities.

The replacement of 'speed pads' on Clivedon Road with road wide/lower humps was also proposed.

This would discourage 'weaving',  making it safer for buses, cyclists and pedestrians, whilst still discouraging speeding.

The Lache Action Plan evolved from extensive consultation with residents and was endorsed by the Council in November 2023.

It consists of four proposals aiming to help improve the neighbourhood and guide investment in the area.

Further details on all the projects are available online here.