Request to the GACC (6th July 2020):
Would the GACC consider funding the upgrading of the NHDC bridle path part of Bay Lane that runs from the St Nicholas Park entrance in the South at Whitehorse lane to the North entrance at Beacons/Great Ashby Way (see C to D) for circa £20k (about 3 COA) and the potholes on the same lane along Ryders Hill & Mount Keen (say £2k)?
Result:
Further good news SBC (& HCC) say that Highways officers agreed to look into the requirements to ensure there is a complete link between Martins Way, Canterbury Way, Iona Close, up the S278 path to the East of Canterbury Park, via Weston Road to the relatively new cycle crossing across Great Ashby Way level with the northern part of Manchester Close.
Big thank you too, to County Cllr Steve Jarvis for taking forward the lobby:
And which has won the support of SBC:
| Exciting News, SB Cllr Rob Broom (Executive Portfolio- Neighbourhoods & Cooperative: Working) has confirmed: | ||
| “A planning application will need to take place to Stevenage Borough Council, and I understand that we would be responsible for the long term maintenance of the track once in situation. I have made other members aware of this. Broadly speaking this is an excellent project, and one in which we are keen to support and help realise”. |
Arguments & Requests
Although the Prime Minster is set to announce more funding for cycle and walking plans, funding is currently short term and ad hoc, so having a good and well supported plan is essential to winning funding.
Friends of Great Ashby are please to report an update on their plan to improve the cycle and walking provision in and around North Stevenage, with a view to integrating Woodfield and St Nicholas Wards (SBC) with Great Ashby (GACC & NHDC), in line with the HCC Active Travel Strategy .
Being active supporters of Localism and Activism, FoGA have engaged with all four tiers of Government, and have prepared a plan and cycle routes proposal. This proposal was discussed at the Great Ashby Community Council (GACC), who have agreed to support the proposal, subject to funding.
In the process the following has become apparent:
- Thinking about making the shared paths in Great Ashby safer for use by pedestrians, perhaps by segregating them clearly, which appears to be the advice of Herts Police (Planning your Journey)
- The Herts Police could be asked to help users know that cycling on pedestrian footpaths is unlawful & safety awareness could be raised by all (Maybe a joint campaign?)
- Safety & cost could be improved by investigating Cllr Martin Morgan’s proposal that tarmac surface one side, for pedestrians & unbound surface the other side, for cycles
- What is important is that paths are kept clear of vegetation encroachment, broken glass and other debris, and the courtesy is introduced and enabled (if not enforced through bylaws)
- Joint NHDC/SBC Co-operation on the HCC Active Travel Strategy, without interference of party or division or ward politics. This is a good initiative that enables cultural & social change as set out in the HCC strategy
- This is particularly true for funding from as many sources as possible; all levels of Government and S106 & other grants need to be explored, as well as curtailing areas of cost that deliver less benefit
- FoGA are aware that County Councils and MP’s etc need not respond to non-constituents or residents not in their division, and FoGA are grateful to Cllr Phil Bibby for his responses and input.
- Similarly, the ward and borough councils have been patient, tolerant and supportive …..we hope to keep relying on that!
- The Community Councillors have also been supportive and we aim to encourage increasing confidence and co-operation in engaging with local residents
- GACC does need to look at gathering higher levels of intelligence and consider taking a wider view as there are still some statements by Community Councillors that need clarifying
- Some think that residents in Great Ashby do not cycle enough to warrant the investment or the paths could be any better places or it can be done more cost effectively. It is important that these claims are justified so that the plan is fair and robust
- The Greater Great Ashby Area, along Great Ashby Way could be considered to improve cycling provision from Old Bourne Way to Canterbury Way, and also around Cartwright Road and Wedgewood Way
- Cycling Plans & Maps need to be updated & communicated
- This plan will be sent to various interested stakeholders to ensure that there is no unanswered doubt
Friends of Great Ashby 