Plans for a controversial new walking and cycling project in an east Suffolk town appear to have been watered down following a public consultation.

Initially, the Active Travel Woodbridge plans had included the potential creation of a 20mph zone in the south of the town and town centre, along with physical restrictions such as bollards to close sections of Bilney Road, Bullard's Lane, California and near the railway bridge in Sandy Lane.

However, the latest plans from the scheme's developer Suffolk County Council propose providing traffic calming measures instead of bollards and an "emphasis on traffic survey work to investigate the possibility of more 20mph speed limits".

READ MORE: Woodbridge society's concerns about Active Travel scheme

There will also be upgraded and improved crossings and more improvements to footpaths in the town.

The revised strategy follows a series of public engagement events with local residents between February and April, which were attended by 2,200 people, while the council also received 3,500 pieces of written feedback through an online consultation.

Residents feared that the safety of pedestrians - especially the older and less mobile - could be compromised by sharing paths with cyclists.

READ MORE: Engagement events took place on Active Travel Woodbridge

Previously, an opponent, who did not wish to be named, told this newspaper: "Shared pathways will only lead to injuries. Already the cycles ride in the town centre with no respect for pedestrians. The one-way system often ignored.

"I have personally witnessed cycles causing the elderly to dodge out of the way and collisions.

"I have myself almost been knocked over more than once and it isn’t easy for an elderly person to quickly change direction of walking without pain or injury."

READ MORE: Fears raised about Active Travel Woodbridge scheme

The county's deputy cabinet member for transport strategy, councillor Alexander Nicoll said: “We saw an incredible number of people taking part in this consultation exercise, 2,289 individuals who wanted to get involved in shaping their town for the future.

"I thank everyone who took the time to read our Active Travel Woodbridge proposals and feedback their thoughts, this wouldn’t have been possible without your input.

“The Active Travel team has analysed each piece of feedback carefully.

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

"This thorough review has led to amendments in the proposals that reflect the views and suggestions of residents and businesses.

"These adjustments ensure that while the core objectives of the project – making walking, wheeling and cycling trips easier, safer and more convenient – are achieved, the needs and concerns of our community are properly understood and addressed.

“We look forward to continuing to develop and deliver the improvements with the local community to enable more choice for people travelling in Woodbridge.”

Ruth Leach, county councillor for Woodbridge, said: "I understand that traffic speeds were measured on the routes covered in the scheme, the average speed was calculated and a range of interventions, including modal filters, were proposed to reduce that speed to a safer level for pedestrians, cyclists and people using 'wheeling' as a mode of transport, i.e. scooters, mobility scooters and buggies. 

"Our roads in the beautiful market town of Woodbridge are not all wide enough for dedicated cycling lanes and this route includes routes to five local schools.

"So, the Active Travel Woodbridge (ATW) team considered the 2,289 responses to the proposals as well as the 3,500 text box comments and suggestions and have produced alternatives to some of the modal filters which still meet the objectives set for the project by Active Travel England. 

"I applaud both the patience and the effort made by the public to engage with the proposals and to consider their feedback and submit constructive suggestions, despite the rocky journey that it was. 

"I also recognise the investment made by the ATW team in listening to what the local residents, utility companies, businesses and blue light services have said in order to adapt the interventions and still satisfy Active Travel England thus to keeping the £5 million pounds for Woodbridge.

"20mph - Bredfield Road and Pytches Road were not part of the ATW consultation but as they are boundary lines and respondents have called for them to be included this will be explored as part of the 20mph scheme."

READ MORE: Suffolk news