I REALLY dislike engaging with loudhailer politics, but some of the points that Councillor Mike Greene makes about the Unity Alliance and our intentions on Active Travel are just plain wrong.

We responded to an emergency Covid recovery initiative from government to support walking and cycling schemes heralded in early May. I wrote the following day to all councillors across BCP to seek ideas for any improvements that they would like to see. The guidance was very clear: “Use temporary materials, complete the work in 12 weeks or we will claw back the funds”.

We soon after promoted widenmypath.com for the public to identify ideas of places that they would like to see improved for both walking and cycling.

Our council staff advised that there was not time to go through consultation, and that experimental traffic regulation orders gave that opportunity for feedback over the life of the temporary scheme, with a seven-day advert. We accepted that advice.

The candidate schemes were prioritised by the highways team and turned around within seven days. We did not learn what funding was allocated until June 27, at which time they could start designing the schemes.

There was a press release listing the schemes made available on July 3.

We have been working flat out with the staff to deliver meaningful change to support people who walk and cycle at these locations.

This is not anti-car, it is the agenda of the Conservative government, both to support Covid recovery, and their recent Gear Change vision for walking and cycling.

We sent relevant ward councillors details of the schemes as soon as formed, so they have had the chance to make suggestions to the detail knowing their spaces really well. Some did so.

It is most unhelpful that some members of the Conservative opposition, rather than work with us, seek to smear this effort, given they are quick to remind everyone that they started the Transforming Cities programme which also seeks to help reduce congestion by encouraging those who can to walk or cycle for short journeys.

Weeks ago, the opposition were calling for us to work together, yet here they look to undermine their own and our work.

We are the fourth most congested area in the UK. We have to support smarter travel choices, and to work with communities to achieve that.

COUNCILLOR ANDY HADLEY

Portfolio holder for transport, BCP Council