RESIDENTS in Wellington are being asked to share their views on Somerset Council proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling along a quarter-mile stretch of Taunton Road.

The £1.2 million plans for three toucan crossings, new cycleways and footpaths, and a lower speed limit between the Cades and Longforth Farm roundabouts have already been slammed by town councillors as over the top.

If the council and developers have their way, motorists leaving the town will have to negotiate three crossings and two roundabouts before then reaching a new four-way traffic light controlled junction outside of Mount Veterinary Hospital in less than half-a-mile.

Now, Somerset Council has launched a public consultation which will be live until midnight on Friday, November 20.

The council officers behind the scheme will also be available to meet in person on Tuesday (November 10) when they will be on the corner of Fore Street and South Street from 12 noon to 4 pm.

Work is due to start early in the New Year on the scheme, which includes reducing the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph from the Cades roundabout to the town centre, and along Nynehead Road past the entrance to the Lidl supermarket.

The unitary council’s proposals are part of its submission to Active Travel England for the use of money from its Active Travel Fund Five.

It has already received £573,620 toward the cost from developers building houses behind Lidl.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on the proposals to achieve a more attractive and safer way to walk, wheel, or cycle in Wellington.

“The community’s responses will help to show how people feel about the proposals and spot any ideas that may help shape any future schemes.”