In Altrincham, Greater Manchester, a vicar has expressed concerns that an “awkward” cycle lane and a one-way road have led to a decline in attendance at St Margaret’s Church, leaving the congregation feeling isolated. Reverend David Murray attributed the decrease in worshippers to the construction of the cycleway along Gorsey Lane, which blocks access to the church’s car park for vehicles turning off the busy A56 Dunham Road. The changes have resulted in parishioners getting lost and struggling to find their way to the church.
The cycle lane’s implementation, along with the designation of Gorsey Lane as a one-way street, has forced cars on Dunham Road to take a detour of half a mile to reach the church car park. As a consequence, attendance at Sunday School and nursery sessions held at the church has also been impacted. Rev Murray highlighted that the surrounding roads have double yellow lines, further adding to the sense of isolation felt by the church community, which consists mainly of elderly individuals who rely on cars for transportation.
Jackie Campbell, a team leader for pastoral care at St Margaret’s parochial church council, emphasized the challenges faced by the elderly congregation in accessing the church by car, noting that alternative modes of transportation are not feasible for them. Phil Eckersley, councillor for the local Bowdon ward, echoed concerns about the adverse effects of the changes on access and called on Trafford Council to reassess the scheme’s impact on community institutions and residents’ daily lives. The council, however, defended the initiative, stating that it aims to improve pedestrian and cycling routes to create a more connected and accessible environment
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