Loose path shows us the way ahead
At last we are seeing good efforts being made to enhance some of the borough’s public footpaths and I hope the recently completed work on the Loose Greenway is a portent of things to come.
Although so far only a short section of the path has been upgraded, the results are superb, with the good, well drained surface making things a lot easier for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, the most striking feature of the work has been the planting of a beautiful array of wild flowers, worth a short stroll for this alone.
Although I understand there have been objections from individuals and residents’ groups to the path being extended along Kirkdale Road and into the Loose Valley, I hope Kent County Council will not be put off and will complete the job.
I would urge detractors to have a walk along the upgraded path from Cripple Street through to Old Drive and see the standard of work – and bear in mind these are fresh works that will ‘mature’ over time; nature will always reclaim her own.
I am a regular user of the path, both on foot and bicycle, from the Loose Valley into Maidstone, and am frequently frustrated by the state of Kirkdale Road, especially the north end.
It is almost invariably muddy and waterlogged and I have often had to retrace my steps back to terra firma to circumvent a quagmire. Even when stable ground is reached at Kirkdale Cottages, the small-pebble surface makes it difficult for cyclists.
I look forward to being able to escape the travails of using the noisy, polluting and, from a cyclist’s point of view, potentially dangerous A229 in favour of a peaceful and stress-free commute into town.
If the quality of the improvements so far completed is maintained, then I for one will have good reason to be grateful. Geoffrey Lomas Hanson Drive, Loose