A petition for a new footpath on Mapperley Plains has been delivered to Nottinghamshire County Council. Whatever it achieves, is it time for the Council to take a holistic look at the footpaths and rights of way in our area. Are they fit for the future?
The petition in October was handed to Councillor Pauline Allen (Arnold North) after 460 local people signed it in just two weeks. It was handed to to the full council meeting on 25th November. An officer will now investigate and report to the Transport and Environment Committee on 9th February 2022.
The petition specifically ask for a 100m path to be created alongside the verge between Mellish Rugby Club and the two existing footpaths that lead to Arnold (Killisick Lane) and to Woodborough.
The Rights of Way Management Plan must assess whether local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public
Lead campaigner Alan Dawson said:
“During lockdown, I walked from Mapperley Top to Woodborough using existing pavements and footpaths. This 100m section of Mapperley Plains was the only stretch that seemed unsafe and unpleasant to walk along. It seemed odd that the existing footpaths are not connected.
Nottinghamshire County Council says that it aspires to allow people to enjoy exercise in the fresh air by exploring Nottinghamshire on foot. Their Rights of Way Management Plan must assess whether local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public. I hope that they will see this as an opportunity to meet the needs of the public around Mapperley Plains”.
“I fully support this initiative as one of several safety improvements that are needed along this stretch of Mapperley Plains. There are a number of new housing developments and the local population is increasing. During the COVID19 pandemic I have walked around the area and if the traffic speed could be lowered too, then more of us would walk more often and spend more time in the fresh air”.
Richard Whitbread, manager of The Travellers Rest
When we ran the petition, people mentioned other areas where a footpath needs to be created. One such area was at the top of Catfoot Lane, to allow pedestrians to access the Gedling Crematorium that opened in 2017. There is a memorial garden there now and whilst there is parking for 80 cars, there will be local people who may want to walk or use public transport.
Alan Dawson
