Vital pedestrian link between villages ‘has to be improved’
ONLY SAFE WALKING ACCESS BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT IN WINTER
A CAMPAIGN for improvements to be made to a path which provides a vital connection between two villages is more important than ever, says one resident.
Currently, there is a footpath between Sharnford and Sapcote, in Blaby District, but a large section of it is not paved, making it difficult to use in the winter months when it gets muddy.
The campaign to make the path into a proper bridleway is headed up by Sharnford resident Dave Mortimer.
The 80-year-old said: “In fine weather it’s a very pleasant walk, but it’s getting a bit muddy now and it becomes impossible in the winter months.
“The villages are so close together, and Sapcote has lots of facilities that Sharnford doesn’t.
“People have to drive between the two villages, which is a bit ridiculous as they are so close.”
He added: “Since lockdown lots more people have been out walking and cycling, and in the past few months the only property along the route has opened a modest farm shop.”
The path between the two villages is about 850 yards in length, or just under half-a-mile, according to a report from Sustrans, a walking and cycling charity.
The alternative route along the B4114 is a significantly longer, at a mile-and-a-half. Dave also pointed out that the verges along the B4114 are not wide enough for a footpath, meaning pedestrians have to walk on the busy road.
The report from Sustrans also said: “There are no facilities for pedestrians or cyclists along this route (B4114) making it dangerous to use by any other means than a vehicle.”
Dave added: “People are taking their life into their hands (walking along it).”
Dave, who does have a car, also raised concerns that rural villages often get forgotten when it comes to walking and cycling, and wants to change that.
He said: “We are all supposed to be walking and cycling more, but if you live in a village, there is an assumption that you must have a car.
“In Leicester, there are cycle paths everywhere now. If you are younger, it’s not a problem to get between the villages, but if you are older and don’t have a car, it makes it impossible.”
Dave said the only other option is an “infrequent” bus service.
County councillor Trevor Pendleton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We are aware of calls for improvements to be made to the bridleway between Sapcote and Sharnford and have been in contact with the district council and the charity Sustrans to advise them on how it can be improved.
“We are committed to encouraging more people to walk and cycle where they can, to improve health and reduce congestion, and we consider all improvement and new bridleway proposals that are put forward that have adequate funding in place and agreement from all parties involved.”