Fairford to Lechlade Multi-Use Path – update

The Towns of Fairford and Lechlade on Thames lack any dedicated cycling infrastructure.

They are located in a gap in the National Cycling Infrastructure and there are no connections or routes in the immediate proximity. Both towns are inside the eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park and receive a large number of tourists each year. The need for the proposed link has been set out in the Cotswold District Council Local Plan and the Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan 2020-41 – Policy CPS 4 (b ) as an active travel scheme priority. A total over  6000 residents live in the towns and many would use a dedicated track to travel between schools , shops, employment  and for recreation.

In addition many visitors to the Cotswold Water Park would cycle rather than travel by car.

The linking A 417 is an unpleasant and unsafe environment for cycling and there have been many accidents.

A Feasibility Study has been produced by SUSTRANS ( National Cycling Charity based in Bristol ) in January 2022 and this has led to considerable local interest and support.

There are two route options one via the old railway track to the north of the A417 and one to the south in the eastern Cotswold Water Park .

The preference is to build both and create a circular route.

A Stage 2 Feasibility Study is planned to commence in September by SUSTRANS to

  • Undertake traffic Surveys
  • Public and Stakeholder Consultations including GCC and CDC.
  • Produce a brochure summarising the project
  • Discussions with Local Landowners
  • Verify the preferred routes
  • Identify funding options including adoption as part of Gloucestershire’s LCWIP ( Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans ) currently under consultation.

This study is being funded by Fairford and Lechlade Town Councils and and Coln Park LLP.

As part of the 2020 Government ‘ Gear Change ‘ initiative LCWIP’s will be better positioned for future sustainable transport funding.

The southern route for the Multi Use Path is under discussion with Lakes by Yoo and Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way ( PROW ) Department . The first third between the east end of Fairford and via the Lakes 103/104 Development and then via Whelford Road, Whelford Pool, Dudgrove Lane and Bowmoor Lake is being discussed in detail and the next stage is to undertake a detailed survey and preliminary design work. This route which is 9km in total is mainly on existing footpaths and Class 5 Highways including part of the Severn Way through the Cotswold water Park.

 

Please contact Cllr Derek Thornhill at derek@fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk for further information

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