A 'Storymap' detailing proposed active travel options available to view
An online public consultation has opened with residents being asked for their views on the development of the Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project.
The proposals have evolved from the Musselburgh Active Travel Network Masterplan which was produced in 2018. The Masterplan identified six key active travel routes which aim to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle in and around Musselburgh.
Following a delay in development during the Covid-19 pandemic a further consultation opened in May 2021 which focused on outline design options for three key routes which run west to east north of the town centre and south to north from the new developments near Queen Margaret University and along the River Esk.
- Route 1 West – Milton Road East to New Street;
- Route 2 – A199 to Wallyford Roundabout, via New Street and Linkfield Road; and
- Route 5 – Old Craighall to Goosegreen.
Feedback from this consultation helped shape preferred designs for the routes. Consideration of other developments and projects in the area has also resulted in some revision of the route network. Part of Route 5 is being designed and taken forward by the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS) – a separately funded project from Musselburgh Active Toun - to avoid repeated disruption for local residents.
Details of the other three original proposed routes have also progressed.
- Route 3 – this will be delivered by the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme similarly to Route 5
- Route 4 – is still under development with further details to be shared early 2024
- Route 6 – is at an early stage, with two proposed options presented for consideration
A ‘Storymap’ (webpage link) has been created which provides a clear visual guide to the preferred designs for each of the Musselburgh Active Toun routes. The website enables people to leave their views and comments on any section. Some of the feedback received previously can also be viewed. In addition feedback on the current proposals can also be left via email to musselburgh.uki@aecom.com
Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, Cllr John McMillan, said: “Musselburgh Active Toun is an exciting initiative to provide more and safer options for active travel both to and from and within Musselburgh. In recent years more people have taken the opportunity to use methods of active travel more with many others expressing a desire to be able to walk or cycle on safer, designated routes.
“I would like to encourage people who live, work or visit Musselburgh to provide their thoughts on these proposals which will improve links within the town and we believe will help to stimulate the town centre as a destination of choice.”
Musselburgh Active Toun is being funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme.
Daniel Prince, a Senior Grant Advisor at Sustrans, added: “Musselburgh Active Toun is a truly transformative project that will make it easier and safer for people to get around Musselburgh by walking, wheeling and cycling. We encourage everyone to put forward their views through this consultation so we can create something that the whole community will be able to use and enjoy”.