Thursday 3rd October 2024
Biddulph Valley Way access control barrier removal proposals consultation
Dear Stakeholder
The Green Infrastructure team of Cheshire East Council manages a number of linear country park sites, including the Biddulph Valley Way in Congleton, which offer traffic-free walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding routes for the public. At some locations on these routes there are access control barriers such as horse steps and motorbike barriers (A-frames) which were installed historically to deter motorbike use of the routes, though they are known not to be 100% effective in doing so. Access for users with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adaptive bicycles, visual impairment or with a companion may be difficult or restricted with existing access control barriers.
In order to improve access for all users, and particularly those with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adaptive bicycles, visual impairment or with a companion, the Council is proposing to remove some access control barriers on the Biddulph Valley Way from Brook Street to the borough boundary to enable access along the main, flat length of the route. To that aim, it is the intention to provide a 1.5m width of access, or as close as can be provided given available budget and site constraints such as underground utilities.
It is also proposed to change the access control barriers at the Bromley Road / Brookhouse Lane entrance to the route so as to provide a 1.5m width of access. This may involve relocating railings to a location to provide maximum sightlines along the road for the safety of users. The Council is working with Sustrans to help design the access arrangement at this location. In addition, vegetation cutting back and highway warning signage is being assessed.
We understand that these proposals would have a positive impact for some people. However, we are aware that the proposals may also raise concerns for others, particularly vulnerable groups, due to the risk of increased use of the route by motorbikes, quadbikes etc. and the removal of speed-limiting controls for pedal cycles, electrically assisted pedal cycles, etc. Such concerns may arise due to the perceived risk of using a route, and the potential change in the ambience of that route from a quiet and safe greenspace environment for outdoor recreation and active travel. There may also be concerns where routes meet the highway that users may collide with vehicles if barriers are removed.
Therefore we are writing to key local stakeholders to inform them of the proposals and to invite comment to help understand any concerns and to identify any measures which may help to mitigate those concerns.
We would welcome any comments you may wish to make, in support of the proposals or to let us know any concerns you may have about the proposals. Please let us know by 13th November 2024, by responding to [email protected], so that we can take your comments into consideration.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Yours faithfully
Countryside Ranger Service
Green Infrastructure Team
Cheshire East Counci