We have been led to understand that there is to be a four day survey undertaken on the Path, starting today 10am to 6pm, so please walk the path, look out for researchers, and have your views heard!

The dates are Thursday 29th to Sunday 2 October, 10am to 6pm.
A Belfast-based Social Market Research team will be asking questions for ANDBC. This is being viewed as a robust exercise, and what is gathered will be placed in the public domain, so that the data cannot easily be undermined at a later date.

This is an excellent opportunity to communicate what we value about the coastal area. From reading the objections to the plan on the planning portal, it's clear there are a wide range of thoughts, but what draws us all together is a sense that the coastal area is cherished as it is, and that hundreds of people don't want to see its character dramatically changed by adding more man-made features, by straightening out its familiar curves, widening into the soft natural verges with additional asphalt, and diminishing the sense of a wild rambling way into natural beauty. As we have always said, specific areas might need some repair work, but that does not equate to support for a planning application that would result in the North Down Coastal Path becoming a greenway (similar to the Comber Greenway). Another route for this investment could be found if they were committed to it: remember the precedent, when the National Trust refused a route through the Orlock and Ballymacormick sections of coastline, 'Another Path' was found inland for the Greenway there.

AS to the survey, it's worth noting the way questions are asked and making sure you convey your own thoughts. In previous questions put by the council's operatives, walking and cycling were combined in one question, eg...."will you use the path more or less if it is a greenway?" rather than "would you walk more or less often if..." and then "would you cycle more or less often if..." as a separate question. It's a subtle difference, but one we feel would assist in pinpointing the specifics of people's views.

Keep an eye out for researchers in the vicinity of the path over the coming days, and use the opportunity to express to them what the coastal area and its rambling path means to you! Let's keep NDCP as a coastal path, and ask for this greenway investment inland.

Drop us an email on foranotherpath@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook for more!  Or keep an eye on our website, foranotherpath.org