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Rea Valley Cycle and Walking Leisure Path
Professors Les Lumsdon and Richard Weston have completed their work on the feasibility study. Their conclusions and recommendations are summarised below. Download complete report
Conclusions
This initial study demonstrates that the development of the proposed footpath and cycleway along the trackbed of the old Minsterley railway, linking the villages of Hanwood, Pontesbury, Pontesford and Minsterley, would bring economic, social, environmental and health benefits to local communities. As well as providing a sustainable tourism opportunity, and access to the Shropshire Hills AONB, the trail would encourage healthy travel for recreation and utility by local residents.
A survey of households in the villages along the proposed trail revealed a significant level of support for its development, both amongst potential users and non-users. It also showed a substantial level of underlying demand for such a facility. It is estimated that demand one the trail would reach 32,000 trips annually within the first two years after completion. If the connection to Shrewsbury was achieved it would grow to over 50,000 trips a year, generating 2,200 overnight stays with local accommodation providers.
Spending by users of the trail would generate over £185,000 (£274,000) for the local economy, which would create or safeguard 5 (8) full-time equivalent jobs locally.
There are likely to be a number of engineering and management issues that will need to be addressed; these are beyond the scope of this study. However, there is only one major road intersection, a bridge over the old line just north of Pontesford, which is maintained by Shropshire Council.
Recommendations
This study has created an increased level of interest in the development of a trail along the old Minsterley line, in the local population, by starting a dialogue with landowners and in discussions with officers from the local authority. In order to maintain the impetus the report makes three main recommendations:
Conclusions
This initial study demonstrates that the development of the proposed footpath and cycleway along the trackbed of the old Minsterley railway, linking the villages of Hanwood, Pontesbury, Pontesford and Minsterley, would bring economic, social, environmental and health benefits to local communities. As well as providing a sustainable tourism opportunity, and access to the Shropshire Hills AONB, the trail would encourage healthy travel for recreation and utility by local residents.
A survey of households in the villages along the proposed trail revealed a significant level of support for its development, both amongst potential users and non-
Spending by users of the trail would generate over £185,000 (£274,000) for the local economy, which would create or safeguard 5 (8) full-
Recommendations
This study has created an increased level of interest in the development of a trail along the old Minsterley line, in the local population, by starting a dialogue with landowners and in discussions with officers from the local authority. In order to maintain the impetus the report makes three main recommendations:
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To publicise the findings of the report, perhaps through a series of local public meetings in the villages (or by way of news bulletins) in order to encourage participation and discussion at this stage. This might be organised in association with each respective parish council.
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Here, as with other areas where trails have been developed, it is difficult at this stage for landowners to perceive the potential benefits of such development. It is recommended that a study day (or half day) should be arranged so that landowners can see best practice elsewhere, and to discuss potential mitigation measures that might be adopted if the route is progressed. This would best be taken forward in association with Shropshire Council as officers responsible for the development of cycling would be able to add their experience to this type of event.
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In order to explore and develop possible working partnerships that would take the proposal forward this report should be presented to major stakeholders such as Shropshire Council (Local Joint Committee) and the Shropshire Hills AONB. This could be done, for example, at a workshop so as to decide the best way to progress from this point.
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