A greener route takes a large step forwards
Warwickshire County Council has today announced the completion of surfacing and improvement works on the first section of the Greenway out of Kenilworth.
This will connect the town to the University of Warwick and also provide an eight kilometre recreation route through to Berkswell.
The impetus for the first phase of works came from Kenilworth’s victory as part of Sustrans ‘Connect2’ bid to the National Lottery ‘People’s Millions’ contest. The Kenilworth scheme is one of 79 Connect2 projects across the UK.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "We were delighted to hear that Sustrans won the national vote. The public support for the local scheme in Kenilworth was outstanding and this new facility using the disused railway will provide benefits for green travel and encourage safe family cycling and walking."
Cllr John Whitehouse, local Member and Chair of the Kenilworth Connect2 Steering Group said: "The steering group is keen to realise the benefits of the scheme as soon as possible, and contractors have now completed the first 2.2 kilometres of surfacing beyond the A429 Coventry Road.
"There is still much to be done to complete both the main route and all the connections to the roads and rights of way network, and of course constructing a bridge over the Coventry Road. The county council will be discussing bridge designs with the steering group and sharing them with the local community."
Keith Higginson, Country Parks Land Manager, said: "We used a new technique to put down the new surface in order to make the funding go as far as possible.
"The natural stone surface will soon blend in with the surroundings and we have sown the disturbed ground with grass seed and wildflower mix. We will also be providing new signage, litter bins and benches.”
The route now has an excellent all weather surface for walking and cycling but will not stand up to wear and tear from horses’ hooves. For this reason, horse riders are asked to keep to the side of the new surface where a good riding surface exists.
Keith added: "In order to manage illegal motorcycle use, horse access onto the greenway will be via a permit scheme with keys issued to permit holders. More information on the new permits, coming into force this month, are available by contacting 01827 872660.”
Edward Healey, Sustrans Area Manager, said: "It is great to see the Kenilworth scheme off to a positive start and so many people already out enjoying the first section of the route."