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3. FOOTPATHS, CYCLE-PATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS

3.1 Findings

  • Wingrave has a fairly extensive, but disjointed and uncoordinated network of footpaths.

  • There are no dedicated or shared cycle paths - fast traffic makes the main streets dangerous for cyclists, especially young ones.

  • Although there are livery stables in the village there are no off-road bridleways.

  • There is a need for footpaths and cycle paths to provide safe routes to the school from all parts of the village and from Rowsham.

  • There are dangerous places for pedestrians, especially:

  • along Dark Lane, where there is no path,

  • at the junction of Dark Lane, Mill Lane, Moat Lane and Long Marston Road (Figure 3),

  • at the junction of Winslow road and Nup End Lane.

  • The ‘Wingrave Walk’ around the perimeter of the village is incomplete on the north-west (behind Abbotts Way) and eastern (behind MacIntyre School and Windmill Hill Farm) sides.

  • The main street, Winslow Road, is fully built up on each side, yet has a continuous footpath on one side only and some useful off-street footpaths are unlit.

  • Some footpaths, even on the main streets, and kissing gates are overgrown, Figure 4. Bridges over ditches, and stiles, need to be kept safe and in good order.

  • Some stiles are difficult for the less able-bodied although there is at least one good example that might be followed.

 

Figure 3: Junction of Dark Lane/MillLane/Moat Lane/Long Marston Road

Figure 4: Overgrown Kissing Gate
3.2 Recommendations

3.2.1 Footpaths

Village footpaths should be well lit and maintained, with safe street crossings at strategic places, to provide a useful network to the school from all parts of the village.

  1. Review the condition of existing stiles, gates and foot-bridges with a view to making them more user-friendly.

  2. Consider improving the existing village footpath network by the creation of additional paths (see map).

  • The village walk:- paths might be created from FP 9 to Winslow Road (opposite FP11 – Wingrave Park), from Leighton Road (opposite FP 7) to FP3 and on to Long Marston Road (opposite FP17), from FP 17 to FP15 at the end of Castle Street. These would need to be under Path Creation Agreements.

  • Dark Lane:- provide an additional footpath. Presently there is a path from the Rose & Crown, past the bowling green to no. 14 (Periwigs). A path from Mill Lane to approximately opposite the existing path would provide a route for pedestrians. A small track has started to be established into the embankment opposite Church Room House caused by large lorries using the village as a “rat run”.

  • The verge between Lower End and Mill Lane, [London Hill] opposite Windmill Hill Farm should be kept mown and the hedges and over-hanging trees cut back as this would also provide a safer route to the village.

    •

 

3.2.2 Bridleways

  1. In line with DEFRA guidelines, investigate a network of safe routes for equestrians (see map):

  • Upgrade FP 15 from Castle Street, Wingrave to Rowsham. This will provide an off-road link to Bridleway 21 at Manor Road.

  • Upgrade FP 14 opposite The Old Brewhouse, Rowsham, to The Abbey, Aston Abbotts. Bridleway no 6 is located on the right-hand side just before the start of the gated road to Weedon; approx. 500 yards from the proposed exit of this track.

  • The path adjacent to Maltby Farm and FP5 or FP4 to provide an off-road link to Crafton and Bridleway no. 8.

In addition to providing much needed links to the bridleway network these tracks will also provide cross-country routes for cyclists.

3.2.3 Cycle Paths

  1. Investigate a network of safe routes for cyclists (see map), including:

  • A new path, including lighting, between Twelve Leys and Wingrave Park. This would be an ideal opportunity to promote a safe cycle route to school and the park.

  • The path from Bell Walk to the Methodist Church and to Twelve Leys would also make a useful link to Twelve Leys. It is hoped the upgrade of these two paths would encourage children from Bell Walk and Twelve Leys to cycle to school and park to play.

All the above recommendations should be pursued in consultation with land-owners.

 

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