A rallying call has gone out to Arbroath residents to throw their weight behind efforts to tap into millions of pounds of Scottish Government money to improve the town’s infrastructure.
A wish-list of improvements has been drawn up, including the realignment of the existing dual carriageway through the town, but it needs public backing.
Residents are invited to have their say on how Arbroath can be made more accessible, active and greener, with a number of ambitious proposals on the table designed to improve travel routes for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Angus Council has entered Arbroath into a national funding contest – the Sustrans Community Links PLUS design competition – which, if successful, could see millions invested on improvements.
Sustrans is the Scottish Government’s national walking and cycling charity and funds projects across the country.
Ambitions for a more accessible, active and greener Arbroath have gathered momentum in recent years through local engagement events and, more recently, the Arbroath Town Centre Design Charrette.
Many local voices have been consistently calling for changes to the existing A92 dual carriageway through Arbroath town centre.
The council says it has listened to those views and is exploring opportunities to create new links, between West Links in the south-west and Guthrie Port Roundabout in the north-east.
Potential improvements could include the realignment of the dual carriageway through the town as a single carriageway; the creation of new, safe and attractive walking and cycling links; the creation of new green and quality public spaces where people can spend time in the area and making the corridor and the town centre somewhere that is easy to reach, easy to use and easy to access for all.
Arbroath Councillor Lois Speed, Independent member for Arbroath East and Lunan said: “We now need your help to make sure Arbroath has the best chance to win against the other towns and cities entered in the competition.
“The council now need you to get involved to share your thoughts and ideas.
“Please visit our interactive social pinpoint site where you can share your thoughts and ideas on what’s good, what’s bad and what could be improved in the area.”
A public drop-in session will be held on Monday March 18, from 5.30 to 8.30pm at the Webster Memorial Theatre.
Residents are invited to find out more about the project and the competition and share their views.
They are also asked to visit the social pinpoint site on www.shapingangus.mysocialpinpoint.co.uk where full details on the project can be found.
