Cycle Route Update

We are pleased to confirm that during last night's cabinet meeting the Liberal Democrat administration voted unananimously to accept the proposals to complete the remaining northern section of the 2 tunnels route, to provide a northern link to the Riverside Path and a local link to Claude Avenue. 

This means a ramp from the cycle path up to Claude Avenue, by Bridge Road can be implemented (subject to planning conditions being met)  making a safer cycling route to school for a large number of pupils.  Which will be funded by the LSTF WEST project.

and

Sustrans under licence to Network Rail will re-open the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway bridge at the top of Bellotts Road for pedestrians and cyclists on a temporary basis until the bridge is replaced as part of the mainline rail electrification works planned from 2015. The Council will look to enter into agreements with Network Rail for the adoption and maintenance of a new replacement foot/cycle bridge.

Subject to agreement with Sustrans and DfT’s Linking to Communities grant being accepted to complete the remaining off road section on Council land through the northern section of Linear Park, with the works to upgrade the existing permissive footpath to a permissive cycle track for use by pedestrians and cyclists to be constructed between the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway Bridge and Bellotts Road.

The link to the council paper is here

If you have any questions about this or other issues in the areas, please get in touch with us.

by Sarah Moore

Linear Way

I have after receiving complaints from local residents complained that the litter bins particular area are not being emptied regularly particularly to dog waste bins.

I would hope that this would be picked up and that the bins would be emptied more often I have also asked that a monitor is put in place to ensure that they are emptied without constant complaints.

However if you know of a bin not being emptied then please let Sarah or me know.

by Cllr Sharon Ball

Two new bridges approved for Two Tunnels route

Planning permission has been granted for two new pedestrian and cycling bridges that will form part of the Two Tunnels route, linking Midford with Bath.

The bridges will cross Millmead Road and Monksdale Rd making the route safer for pedestrians and cyclists who will no longer have to cross these roads, and also making the route more accessible, as the severe elevation changes at these junctions can be difficult to navigate for the less mobile, including wheelchair users.

The Two Tunnels route is part of charity Sustrans’ Connect2 project, which is developing new everyday walking and cycling links in communities across the UK.  The national project was awarded £50million by the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, following a public vote.  Other funding for the Bath project is coming from Bath & North East Somerset Council and local fundraising.

Sustrans’ Senior Engineer for the Two Tunnels route, Patrick Tully, said, “It is great news planning permission has been granted for these bridges, which will open up the route to even more people by providing a level path across the south of the city, as well as providing safe crossings of Millmead and Monksdale Roads.

“We will be continuing the ecological work undertaken in preparation for the project in ensuring there is no disturbance to local wildlife when works commence.”

Site clearance work will be started within the next month.   Some trees will be removed during the site clearance work, but Sustrans is committed to re-planting at least the same number of trees to replace those lost.  The bridges are due to be installed by the end of 2011.

The Sustrans website - www.sustrans.org.uk - has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.

Linear Way

The work on Linear way and the upgrades to the paths have been very welcomed by the local community.

There have however been several comments about lack of screening to some of the properties along Cynthia Road, so we have asked the council to take a look at this issue and if possible to put in some planting that may help.