Agenda item

(a)  That the principles of the proposals to update the existing path through Salt Hill Park to a 3 metre wide path with lighting, provide a new section of 3 metre wide path along a previously unpaved route, and improve access through Salt Hill Way be approved.

(b)  That council officers proceed with the detailed design of the scheme within the general principles presented in the report, subject to planning permission on the preliminary design being granted.

(c)  That, following detailed design, construction of the scheme be implemented within the current financial year 2014/15.

The Team Leader (Integrated Transport and Road Safety) and the Parks & Open Spaces Manager introduced a report proposing improvements to the footpath in Salt Hill Park. 

The scheme aimed to improve the connectivity between Salt Hill Way and Stoke Poges Lane; enhance the attractiveness and security of the route and improve the entrance to the park from Salt Hill Way.  The budget of £175,000 for the scheme would be funded from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and it formed part of the East West Walking and Cycling Route running between Slough and Burnham train stations.  The new path would be 3 metre wide, shared use, bound gravel track with improved lighting and landscaping to increase natural surveillance.  Members noted the consultation that had been carried out with the Local Access Forum and park users which showed broad support.

The Cabinet considered a number of issues including links to the new Leisure Strategy in making the Slough’s parks more attractive and the importance of publicising the improvements when completed.  The improved lighting and potential to open up other routes from the subway were particularly welcomed.  Members made further suggestions to consider rain shelters in future plans for the management of the park and steps to reduce littering by redesigning the area around the railway tunnel.

The approval of the Council in its capacity as a charitable trust was needed for the implementation of the path in the park and the Cabinet therefore agreed to recommend the proposal to Council at its meeting on 22^nd July 2014.

Recommended –

(a)  That the principles of the proposals to update the existing path through Salt Hill Park to a 3 metre wide path with lighting, provide a new section of 3 metre wide path along a previously unpaved route, and improve access through Salt Hill Way be approved;

(b)  That council officers proceed with the detailed design of the scheme within the general principles presented in the report, subject to planning permission on the preliminary design being granted; and

(c)  That, following detailed design, construction of the scheme be implemented within the current financial year 2014/15.