A cycle route in North Somerset has officially opened – two years after its completion. The popular walking and cycling route through Ashton Court Estate was completed two years ago but an official opening has been delayed due to the covid pandemic.
The one kilometer cycle path through Ashton Court and connection to Bristol’s Long Ashton Festival Way allows people to walk or cycle to Bristol from Nailsea and Long Ashton without having to take the main roads. The route connects the Ashton Court gate near the Park and Ride with the UWE site at Kennel Lodge Road, avoiding the busy and hilly road from Ashton Court Estate to the house.
The charity Greenways and Cycleroutes set up the £63,000 scheme with contributions from North Somerset Council. A team of volunteers undertook the clearing of vegetation to open up views of the historic landscape as well as the protection of trees, the construction of fences, the planting of trees and hedges and ecological works.
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The route was built by local contractors Safety Green Ltd, with funding from Veolia Environmental Trust, Sustrans and North Somerset Council, and support from Historic England and UWE and Bristol City Council, owners of the ground. North Somerset Council and Sustrans have since added a signal-controlled Toucan crossing through Clarken Coombe to the scheme which was completed last year.
The level crossing provides a safe place for all road users to cross the busy B3128. “The Ashton Court Greenway is another example of our commitment to improving cycling facilities in North Somerset,” said Councilor Mike Solomon, council executive member for Neighborhoods and Community Services.
“Greenways and cycleways continue to be a valued partner, helping us to provide well-used cycling programs such as this and Brean Down Way from Uphill to Brean.” John Grimshaw, founder and engineer of Greenways and Cycleroutes, said: “Humphry Repton designed Ashton Park 200 years ago.
“We know he would have liked the path. “It was a privilege to work in such a landscape and to create a path that is already so much appreciated. Seeing people enjoying the road is our reward after five years of trading.”
The opening was performed by Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw and Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-27 00:44:00
