Latest news with #GraceBaynham
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Masterplan aims to ‘breathe new life' into Stockport station
A masterplan is aiming to 'breathe new life' into Stockport train station after concerns that it had fallen into a state of disrepair. The plans by Stockport council have set out to 'transform Stockport station into a modern facility' with redeveloped concourses, improved access to platforms, and better links between the station and town centre. According to a council report, funding has been awarded from the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme to develop an outline business case for the station's future. READ MORE: "I saw the man and his dog at the side of the road... I'll never get the image out of my head" READ MORE: Man and his dog killed after being hit by car that 'flipped' in horror crash This is currently being developed by council officers and stakeholders, with a consultation expected to take place in summer. Part of the West Coast Main Line connecting Manchester and London, the station is located centrally to the regeneration work taking place around Stockport town centre. This includes Stockport Exchange, a business and leisure district based next to the railway station. But concerns have previously been raised about the condition of the station building itself. Coun Grace Baynham, the council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service last year that the station had fallen into a state of disrepair and was in need of attention. This was highlighted in a council report from February 2024, which found there was a 'poor customer experience' across the platforms and building, and a 'weak retail offer and accessibility issues.' The town hall's masterplan stated new changes would 'create a welcoming environment for all passengers and visitors,' and create 'a station to be proud of.' Avanti West Coast, the firm which manages Stockport station, said it was looking forward to working with the council and other stakeholders to shape and deliver the masterplan. Coun Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport council, said the town needs a station which reflects its position as the "southern gateway to Greater Manchester and the north west." 'Our residents, businesses, and visitors deserve a world-class transport hub that matches Stockport's growing potential," he added. "A modern, accessible Stockport station, complete with a new overbridge and improved facilities, could create up to 2,000 jobs, drive economic growth, and further establish Stockport as a key player in the North's transport future." Alongside the station masterplan, Stockport town centre has also benefited from a new transport interchange which opened in March last year. Coun Hunter said changes to the train station and bringing Metrolink to the town are key aims in the coming years. 'Our new Interchange is Metrolink ready and bringing the tram to Stockport is something we know people want, and redeveloping the station is a huge step in making that a reality," he explained. 'This isn't just about upgrading a station—it's about unlocking opportunity. Sitting at the heart of our £1bn regeneration programme, this project will supercharge connectivity, attract investment, and cement Stockport as one of the best-connected places in the country. 'Stockport already benefits from some of the best connectivity routes in the country, and our residents, businesses and visitors deserve a modern, accessible station that matches that connectivity. 'This is a once in a generation opportunity to turbo charge the success story of Stockport – and we're determined to make it happen.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Funding could improve flood-prone airport road
A flood-prone airport link road could be included in drainage work done this year, a council report has said. Funding may be used to improve routes, including the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road, by tackling drainage and maintenance issues. Funding highlighted in Stockport Council's new transport spending programme for the year is understood to be part of regular maintenance and improvement works. Some money has been set aside to investigate drainage issues, while the majority is focused on completing land transactions from agreements when the road was built, the council report said. The dual carriageway, located between Hazel Grove and Manchester Airport, was completed in 2018 but has faced regular flooding, often during storms or heavy rainfall. Most recently there were problems in January after major flooding on New Year's Day in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Heavy rainfall left part of the A555 under water, with cars spotted stranded and submerged on the route. The road is used by people travelling to and from Manchester Airport, and goes on to join the M56 and A6 at separate ends. Grace Baynham, Stockport Council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, said there had been several schemes to improve drainage. "We have invested in several improvements to the drainage on the A555 and we recognise the challenges that we have faced in recent years," she said. "We are continuing to develop drainage improvement schemes to enhance the resilience of the A555 between the Oil Terminal roundabout and the A34 junction and as part of this process, our teams are currently carrying out surveys of the highway drainage network in this area. "The funding allocation in 2025/26 includes costs for land purchase and compensation." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. In pictures: Floods deluge homes and roads Flooding shuts roads and rail lines 'No quick fix' for major relief road flooding Stockport Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
£2.5m improvement plans for flood-prone Manchester Airport road
Work to "enhance the resilience" of a flood-prone airport road could be undertaken this year, according to a council improvements planned for the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road include tackling drainage and maintenance for the work was highlighted in Stockport council's new transport spending programme for the year, and is understood to be part of regular maintenance and improvement works along the total, about £2.5m would be spent "to address drainage and maintenance issues" as well as to "complete land transactions" from agreements when the road was built, the council report said. The dual carriageway, located between Hazel Grove and Manchester Airport, was completed in 2018 but has faced regular flooding, often during storms or heavy recently there were problems in January after major flooding on New Year's Day which caused issues across Greater rainfall left part of the A555 underwater, with cars spotted stranded and submerged on the road is used by people travelling to and from Manchester Airport, and goes on to join the M56 and A6 at separate Grace Baynham, Stockport Council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, said there had been several schemes to improve drainage on the road over the years."We have invested in several improvements to the drainage on the A555 and we recognise the challenges that we have faced in recent years," she said."We are continuing to develop drainage improvement schemes to enhance the resilience of the A555 between the Oil Terminal roundabout and the A34 junction and as part of this process, our teams are currently carrying out surveys of the highway drainage network in this area."The funding allocation in 2025/26 includes costs for land purchase and compensation." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Finally, the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road might not flood
New improvements are planned on the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road, which includes tackling drainage and maintenance issues. The cash was highlighted in Stockport council's new transport spending programme for the year, which is understood to be part of regular maintenance and improvement works along the road. In total, around £2.5m will be spent 'to address drainage and maintenance issues' as well as 'complete land transactions' from agreements when the road was built, according to a council report. READ MORE: 'Key player' among four arrested as police raid block of flats at dawn READ MORE: Police probe 'very serious allegations' surrounding University of Greater Manchester The dual carriageway, located between Hazel Grove and Manchester Airport, was completed in 2018 but has faced regular flooding, often during storms or heavy rainfall. Most recently there were problems in January after major flooding on New Year's Day which caused issues across Greater Manchester. Heavy rainfall left part of the A555 underwater, with cars spotted stranded and submerged on the route. The road is used by people travelling to and from Manchester Airport, and goes on to join the M56 and A6 at separate ends. Coun Grace Baynham, Stockport council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, said there have been several schemes to improve drainage on the road over the years. She added: 'We remain committed to ensuring the A555 remains a safe and reliable route for all road users, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to achieve this goal. 'We have invested in several improvements to the drainage on the A555 and we recognise the challenges that we have faced in recent years. 'We are continuing to develop drainage improvement schemes to enhance the resilience of the A555 between the Oil Terminal roundabout and the A34 junction and as part of this process, our teams are currently carrying out surveys of the highway drainage network in this area. 'The funding allocation in 2025/26 includes costs for land purchase and compensation.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Police stop almost 150 vehicles in a single day in crackdown in Greater Manchester town
Police stopped almost 150 vehicles across a Greater Manchester town in a single day in a crackdown on dangerous drivers. Greater Manchester Police carried out 145 stops across Stockport on Thursday (February 13). The crackdown is part of GMP's Operation AVRO, an operation that sees specialist officers and resources deployed to a different area of Greater Manchester each month. This targets crimes which the general public have informed GMP are of particular concern. Thursday's operation also saw police executing warrants at a number of addresses across Stockport, with three vehicles also being seized. Officers also carried out work on the highways to crack down on dangerous driving - with 55 Traffic Offence reports made. READ MORE: School issues statement after 'very unpleasant' video involving students emerges READ MORE: Boy stabbed by thugs in balaclavas after getting off tram Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said: "Road safety is a key concern for our communities, and I welcome the work of GMP through Operation Avro to tackle dangerous driving and improve safety on our roads. 'Enforcing speed limits, targeting uninsured vehicles, and addressing reckless driving are essential steps in protecting all road users. She added: "Everyone deserves to feel safe whether they are driving, cycling, or walking, and this operation highlights the importance of working together to reduce accidents and keep our streets safer for all." Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, Commander for Stockport, said: 'Throughout the day we tackled crime and criminals in our communities, executed search warrants and made arrests. To be able to do this we rely on information and intelligence submitted to us from members of the public. 'I would like to thank people who stopped to talk to our officers during the day, engaged with us and our partners and asked questions or raised concerns to our officers. 'Operation AVRO is a flagship event that highlights the work going on each and every day across Greater Manchester in our fight against criminality. GMP's operation on February 13 saw 65 arrests made across Stockport. Officers also carried out a variety of public engagement activities throughout the day.
