Warwickshire News Mine

Local residents turned out to join local and national dignitaries for the official launch of the cycleway.

The new ‘Safer Route to School’ scheme has been provided between Bishop’s Tachbrook and Warwick Gates, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a pleasant and healthy journey to school.

The aim of this is to meet the aspirations of Warwickshire County Council to increase the number of trips taken on foot and by bike, rather than by car.

The scheme widened the existing footway on the west side of Oakley Wood Road from less than 1m to 2.5m for most its length, and included the planting of several new hedges and trees. It is expected that pupils travelling from Warwick Gates to Bishop’s Tachbrook Primary School will use the new route, as well as children from Bishop’s Tachbrook travelling to Myton and Warwick Schools.

There is now a continuous off-carriageway route all the way from Bishop’s Tachbrook, along Tachbrook Road to Leamington Spa train station or alternatively, into Warwick.

The route was provided in full consultation and with the help of Bishop’s Tachbrook Parish Council and County Councillor Les Caborn. The Leopard Pub and Warwick District Council freely gave two pieces of land at either end in order to complete the route.

It also marked the first official engagement as Warwick MP for Chris White, who said: “It’s really great to see such community spirit and a brilliant turnout. This is my first official launch as an elected Member of Parliament and I’m pleased that it’s at a launch of such a worthwhile project that will prove to be invaluable to the residents of both Bishops Tachbrook and Warwick Gates."

County Councillor Les Caborn said: “This has been seven years of hard work from County Council Officers, the Parish Council and the local community. Now the communities of Bishops Tachbrook and Warwick Gates are linked together by a safe and accessible route that can be enjoyed by both walkers and cyclists.”

Parish Cllr Graham Leeke added: "We are delighted that Bishops Tachbrook has been linked with Warwick Gates by this cycle track. It means that children at Bishops Tachbrook are able to safely travel to and from school and the residents of Bishops Tachbrook are able to travel easily into Leamington on this off-road route."

For further information about cycling in Warwickshire please refer to http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycling where you can find maps of the key urban areas, leisure routes and other hints and tips.

Link to WCC