Have your say – Somerstown path

 

Residents and businesses are being asked to share their views on how a well-used Somerstown path could have a makeover.

Portsmouth City Council are seeking people’s views on making the path connecting Somerstown Hub to the north end of Somers Road, a more pleasant route for people walking, scooting or wheeling, in preparation for any funding opportunities that may become available.

Improvements could include additional lighting, CCTV, and the commissioning of community artwork on the walls of the path. Local residents are being invited to share their views on these improvements and to suggest ideas at the Party for Somerstown event and in a short survey at www.research.net/r/SomerstownPath

The friendly Active travel team will be available to chat through your ideas between 12 and 2pm on Saturday 1 October at the Party for Somerstown which is being held at the Gibson Centre, Sackville Street.

This opportunity to seek funding follows the feedback received in the 2022 consultation on proposed improvements for walking and cycling along Winston Churchill Avenue through to Goldsmith Avenue. This highlighted that, although convenient, the route could benefit from some improvements to make it more pleasant for all.

If successfully funded, these improvements would complement work already planned for the route between Milton to the City Centre, and then on to The Hard, as part of the city vision to create easier travel for all in Portsmouth. If artwork was commissioned, the local community, including local schools, would help develop an art installation for the neighbourhood to be proud of.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said:

“We have already seen what a difference improved lighting, CCTV and vibrant artwork have made to Belmont path, off Elm Grove. I hope we will be able to do the same in Somerstown.

“I encourage everyone that uses the path to tell us about their ideas for improvements. We can then make it really clear why this community needs a share of the funding and how we will work together to make this a safer, more pleasant area for everyone to enjoy.”

More details about plans for the area can be found at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/winstonchurchillavenue.