22/03/2023: Greener transport investment secured for Swaffham

New bus shelters with real-time information screens, environmentally-friendly grass roofing, and new cycle racks are set to be installed in Swaffham this year. They are being funded by Historic England, Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council. 

The advanced eco-bus shelters will replace older bus stop shelters in the town centre and feature LED lighting and digital signage informing travellers exactly when buses will be arriving. The shelters will be complemented with a green roofing design, infused with wild grass. The shelters are part of a new generation of modern bus shelters and will be one of the first shelters featuring these advanced digital and eco-designed features in Norfolk.

Historic England, Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council are also supporting the installation of three sculptural cycle stands and lighted bollards, situated by the approach to the historic Swaffham's churchyard just off the high street. These will further help to promote sustainable forms of transport by encouraging walking and cycling in Swaffham. In total, the project will receive investment of over £105,000 from Historic England, Breckland Council's Market Town Initiative and Norfolk County Council. 

Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth, commented: "This project highlight how district councils can bring together exciting partnerships to deliver investment locally within our market towns. Not only will these new installations help travellers using public transport and cycling in Swaffham, but it encourages residents to use greener forms of transport and will help cut carbon emissions locally."
 
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: "It's great to see this investment in supporting greener travel, encouraging people to visit Swaffham by bus and bicycle. These striking new bus shelters and cycle stands, combined with the new landscaping in the town centre, will create an inviting environment for people who work, visit and enjoy time in Swaffham. It is another example of Historic England and the Council working in aa effective partnership for the people of Swaffham.'

Councillor Graham Plant, Cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport at Norfolk County Council said; "This is a great example of how working collaboratively with our districts can bring high-quality facilities to local communities. By supporting this scheme we are able to see more bus stops upgraded to gold standard - with sheltered waiting areas and real-time information - as set out in our Bus Service Improvement Plan. This will support more people to travel sustainably across the county which is key to us achieving our ambitious net-zero targets."

Cllr Ian Sherwood and Cllr David Wickerson, Swaffham Breckland Ward members commented "We welcome this significant investment that will help local residents, tourists and shoppers access real time information on local bus journey's, making public transport more accessible to everyone, and helping us all to reduce the use of cars in our town centre."