Agenda item

Ditton Park Cycle Path Update –

JW reported that the repairs to the Northfield path were completed in September 2014 and that CA Technologies have been informed that there are weeds already appearing through the new surface.  JW has recommended a regime of spraying on the paths to deal with this problem.  CA Technologies have said they will take this up with their contractors. 

JW tabled photos of the cycle path running through Slough exhibiting maintenance issues; weeds encroachment, trees overhanging; explaining the confusion over maintenance responsibility.  DM requested details of the original specification (width, surface treatment etc.) and date of path construction as well as enquiring what legal status the path has.  Members were concerned that the path in Slough has a legally protected status eg; as a public right of way or as a cycle track and that it is maintained to the original standard.  JW thought that as the land was deliberately purchased by the Council to construct this path, it may not have been considered necessary to have a legal dedication.  WS mentioned that the farmer uses the path with vehicles.  DM expounded the beauty of the path and surroundings through the Ditton Park Estate.

Members discussed the previous path repairs on the South Field path that members visited during the summer.  It was felt the level of the path is lower than the surrounding land despite CA stating that they had built the level up.  JW said the condition of this path would need to be monitored bearing in mind it had already been flooded once since the repairs.

Resolved – JW would find out details of path construction and investigate its legal status.  JW agreed to chase CA Technologies

Footpath 35a – Herschel Street to High Street Slough –

JW tabled the draft design for the “Alpha Street” development and explained the stopping up of the footpath can be achieved under the Town & Country Planning Act as the path is being used within the design. 

­Footpath 57 Tuns Lane to Glentworth Place –

Members were asked for a steer on whether an informal consultation of the residents in Glentworth Place should be done to help decide on whether this path should be permanently closed as the usage is most likely to be the residents themselves.  There had been no further reports of anti-social behaviour and SP as Councillor for this ward reported no recent complaints.  Members felt that despite the path being narrow and not providing a significant short-cut that since there is no new evidence of crime/asb, no further action should be taken at this point in order that expectations are not raised.

Old Bath Road, Colnbrook – Dis-used Railway - Planning application

DM queried whether the LAF could take any action to help in getting this path dedicated as a public right of way.  JW confirmed that a claim would need to be made by users/interested party for the path to be made a public path.  She explained that the Council itself could support an application to add the path to the Definitive Map on the basis of discovery of evidence, but the process would be a slow one.  Investigations would need to be done to ascertain any historical evidence to show the route has existing public rights. 

This path wouldn’t necessarily be lost due to the 2026 cut-off date because it doesn’t just rely on historical pre-1949 evidence.

JW thought that if the LAF were to support the investigation of evidence for this path to be added to the Definitive Map, then the Council could be persuaded it was a worthwhile use of resources.  Moreover, the Council’s Transport team have shown interest in gaining this route as public. JW suggested there could be a possibility of the Council purchasing the land.  Members agreed that this path has a public amenity value, not only for its economic benefit (walking route to work) but also for its natural environment and asked for the matter to be taken forward.

Resolved – The LAF firmly support the inclusion of this path as a public right of way and recommends the Council proceeds with investigations on how to achieve this.