Frequently Asked Questions
Why are changes being proposed for St Peters Square, and some of the approach routes?
The ‘Ruthin Future Working Group’ of Ruthin Town Council Town Council developed and consulted upon a long-term vision for Ruthin, and this was used to support the LUF funding application in respect of St Peter’s Square.
The following objectives were identified as part of the vision for the town centre:
- To discourage vehicles using the town as a through route, and to calm speeds of traffic within the town centre
- To maintain vehicular access, and parking provision in the town centre
- To Improve on-street loading / drop off / disabled parking
- To provide wider and safer pedestrian and wheeled users’ access
- To create adequate space for community events to happen without any road closures
Why have you removed the roundabout and altered the road layout?
The roundabout was removed to make room for an events space within the town centre, and this required the redesign of highway route through the town centre.
The new road layout aims to support those who use the town, and to discourage through traffic.
An active travel route has been included on the steeper section of Market Street, so that cyclists are not under pressure from vehicles when travelling up the hill.
Well Street is too narrow to provide for two-way traffic and pedestrians. Making it one way to traffic will make it safer for pedestrians and vehicles and enables some on street parking.
Changes to the junction at Clwyd street provide more space for delivery vehicles to turn, and provides wider pavements for pedestrians, and a crossing point.
Could other streets be looked at instead or as well as those proposed?
Denbighshire County Council has a set amount of funding for the project and is contracted to UK Government for the delivery of funding outputs.
The scheme proposed has considered the vision for the town centre and will deliver on the funding outputs required, which include improved cycle ways, improved pedestrian paths, and the events space will create a new area of public realm area.
Why have you introduced an active travel route to Market Street and why only the top section?
The longer-term ambition is to provide an active travel all the way up Market Street from the Briec roundabout to the town square.
We have used the Levelling Up Funding to support the inclusion of the upper section of the route to enable the connection to be made into the works proposed for the square, to avoid future disruption.
The design approach and consistent use of materials within the upper section of Market street, will help to define the pedestrian route to the town centre.
The lower section of the active travel route will be included within a future bid for funding from Welsh Government’s Active Travel grant funding scheme in due course.
What is the purpose of the raised table in the road?
Raised tables help motorists to know that they are within a pedestrianised area and encourages them to slow down and have greater awareness.
With the reduced kerb height shown, it provides ease of access for pedestrians between the events space and the area of the Old Court House/Well Street and Castle Street
Are you maintaining the existing number of car parking spaces in the town centre
Our intention is to retain as many existing parking spaces as possible.
It is believed that there are medieval remains in the town. How will you prevent any disturbance or damage to artefacts?
Denbighshire County Council’s conservation officer and a local historian has made us made aware of the presence of medieval remains. The scheme proposed will be reviewed in respect of likely sites of historic interest, and an archaeological watching brief will be undertaken whilst any excavation works are taking place in these areas.
Will access to the town centre be maintained for businesses during the works?
There will inevitably be some disruption during the construction phase. We are encouraging all businesses to share their views at this early stage, so that we can take on board their concerns when we review the phasing of the construction works. This will help to inform the way in which we need to do the works and the notice periods and communication that we need to provide to businesses.
How will you avoid any loss of trade, as people may choose to shop elsewhere if it is hard to access the town.
The construction works will be designed to ensure that there is some access to the town centre at all times. There may be delays due to the necessary traffic management controls, and it is acknowledged that this may deter some people from using the town as frequently.
Will the project compensate businesses for loss of earnings?
No, the funding has been secured for the delivery of the scheme proposed, and there is insufficient funding to consider or administer any compensation scheme.
When will work start on this project?
Construction is due to start on site in September 2025. No works will commence before Gwŷl Rhuthun has taken place at the end of June.