East Riding of Yorkshire Council is inviting comments from the local community about proposals to improve the footway along the busy B1230 across Beverley Westwood to allow shared use by pedestrians and cyclists.
The council feels that improvements are necessary as the route is used by local school pupils, some as young as 11 years old, and is part of the National Cycle Network. It is also a commuter route between Walkington, Broadgates and Beverley.
Work would improve safety for cyclists and also allow people to enjoy the Westwood in a sustainable way.
As the work would require the widening of the footpath by 50cm, the council is considering making an s16 application to the Secretary of State to register, as common land, a much larger area in exchange for that required for the scheme.
Research has indentified an area of 3,500sqm, formerly known as Fishwick Mill, which is not currently protected as common, which would be registered in exchange. This would ensure that the total area of land registered as common would not be reduced and would, in fact, be increased.
Ian Burnett, strategic transport planning manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council is a keen advocate of cycling as both a leisure activity and as a sustainable form of transport. To this end, the authority is developing the cycling infrastructure of the East Riding with a focus on providing safe routes for cyclists.
“The B1230 is a heavily-used commuter route and the development of an off-road cycle route would help ensure the safety of cyclists and in particular children attending the local schools.
“The council is keen to hear from the local community about its proposals and has started a six-week consultation process. Subject to feedback, the council would then seek to progress an s16 application to the Secretary of State, which would be considered by the Planning Inspectorate who would then conduct a formal consultation before making a determination.
“If decisions are favourable, the council would look to develop the scheme during 2015.”
Information on the proposed application is available on the council’s website at www.eastriding.gov.uk/transport-schemes/
You can provide comments by letter or by emailing transport.policy@eastriding.gov.uk
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Crazy. Why would the council waste money on this when we are in osterity. What is the return on investment? Just change the sign to a dual path / cycleway and jobs a good one. Also registering Fishwick Mill as a common – and the benefit of that is what exactly? Its free land anyway so there is actually no gain for the tax payer – just losses again. Please please please East Riding Council – if you have money to invest cut council tax or invest in something that is of benefit to everyone. Please leave our common land alone. You have already barged your way in with the Hospital (on common land). Just get on with running the council and doing something more productive. If this goes ahead I will not vote Parnaby in again.