Halt called to paths work

From the archive, first published Wednesday 22nd Mar 2006.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build new cycle paths in Alcester have been given the thumbs down by residents.

Proposals to build the connection route from Kinwarton Farm Road to Captains Hill to gain access to another cycle route have gone back to the drawing board.

Residents and the town council opposed plans to create a joint pedestrian and cycle path and remove six trees, to be replaced with shrubs on the site, and were outraged work had started early.

Work began on replacing the trees last week but was halted by members of the council.

Kinwarton Parish Council chairman Margaret Moore said she was unhappy it had started as a meeting had not yet been held between Stratford area committee and the parish council to discuss the plans.

Mrs Moore explained the road was unsafe due to the amount of residential and heavy goods vehicles and that a cycle route would be hazardous for all road users, especially as it frequently saw a number of accidents due to the mini-roundabout.

Councillor Nina Knapman said while she believed in the benefits of cycle routes, work starting prior to the meeting was "not acceptable".

She added: "I felt residents had not had proper consultation - papers regarding this only landed through their letterboxes a fortnight ago.

"People are being encouraged to create more vibrant communities and have a greater say in what should be enacted in their area."

The two planned routes, the other for the Roebuck roundabout and Arden Forest Industrial Estate, were originally put forward in response to the town's heath check which highlighted the need to link Alcester's cycling routes. They were designed by Warwickshire County Council and an experienced cycle consultant.

Problems on route two were discussed at a meeting last week with project manager David Miller and Arden area co-ordinator Val Harris and it was decided the plans should be put on hold until a proper consultation with residents had taken place.

Ms Harris explained work on the trees was prioritised to avoid the bird nesting season and to cause as little disruption to wildlife as possible.

She added work would still be necessary to improve highway visibility but the decision on the cycle route had been deferred.

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