Campaigns

LILFORD 'MISSING LINK'

In December 2009 we submitted a formal claim to Northamptonshire County Council for the restoration of a ‘missing link’ in the rights of way network at Lilford. When in place this will result in a huge improvement, including a far better route for the Nene Way, Northamptonshire’s first long distance footpath.

In June last year we held a successful rally at Lilford in support of our claim

and following this commissioned an independent report on the risks associated with the two crossings of the A605 which walkers are forced to make on the existing route of the Nene Way. This concluded that diverting the Nene Way via the ‘missing link’ was the most practical solution to eliminating these risks.

We forwarded this Report to NCC and at a meeting held with them in March 2011 they agreed to give priority to progressing our claim and work began in October.

This is a superb outcome to our campaign and whilst it may be some time before the matter is finalised, as there may have to be a Public Inquiry, we are ever closer to the day when we can all walk this short stretch of missing footpath, opening up new routes presently denied to us.

The final route of the proposed HS2 between London and Birmingham, which will eventually link with Manchester and Leeds, was announced this month (January 2012).

At national level the Ramblers support the Right Lines Charter published by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which also has the backing of many other organisations. This sets out the principles for implementing High Speed Rail well.

In Northamptonshire more of the route has been put into green tunnels and it has also been moved further to the east in the Edgcote area and for some distance northwards.

As a result of these changes there are now 20 Footpaths and 10 Bridleways directly affected, as opposed to 18 and 10 previously. Two others, previously three, join roads adjacent to where they are bisected by the line giving a total of 32 (31 previously) impacted upon. Eight of the footpaths, as opposed to three previously, are now bisected by the new and extended green tunnels. We know the measures we consider necessary to minimise the impacts.

As part of its announcement the Government has said that to take forward consultation Community Forums will be set up involving Parish Councils and community groups along the route. We have yet to learn whether or how we fit into this scenario but will be seeking early involvement in the consultation process.