Central Beds Council have just published a Notice of Making of Public Path Order concerning a traffic free connection between our communities.

This excellent news is the beginning of a process where objections and representations can be lodged. The Caddington and Slip End Heritage Greenway will need all the support it can get from local people in response to any objections that might appear. Details of the order, deadline submission dates and contact details can be found at the following link:

https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/66310f901fefd417212c21ad

I want to thank you for your amazing support so far.

My interest in this issue stems from a love of greenways as an enjoyable alternative to the chaos of motor travel and an interest in sustainable, active and healthy modes of travel between areas and communities. I took up footbiking (a non-motorised alternative to cycling) during the covid pandemic as a form of exercise but it developed into a passion and a serious mode of transport. Since then I have completed journeys on the many Greenways that can be found in neighbouring towns and counties. Examples include Luton’s Lea Valley walk from Luton to Harpenden. Ayot Greenway from Wheathampstead to Welwyn Garden (pictured)  Alban Way, the Nickey Line. The Varsity Line, Sewell Greenway, Cole Green Way and Essex’s Flitch Way.

When I arrived at Caddington Woods with my family earlier this year I was shocked at the state of non-motorised transport links to our neighbours in Caddington and Slip End. Even more shocked to learn that very early proposals to develop a new greenway had been unfulfilled over a very long period of time, with no sensible or justified reason. I have learned that local feeling on this issue is as strong as mine and the enthusiasm for this proposed path is shared by many in our local community. The benefits outweigh any objections or interests in maintaining an unfulfilled local area plan. My experience of riding to Caddington Village via the road was shocking, with several instances of extremely reckless driving and the menace of danger clear and chilling. I also attempted the current footpaths and found impossible, treacherous muddy and waterlogged trails that would be unacceptable even in periods of good weather. It is my view that the Heritage Greenway will make a huge difference to people in our community. Once completed it will need to be looked after and cherished.

Thanks again for your support. Please continue to share, tell your neighbours and friends. And let’s show everybody how much we support, and need the development of the Heritage Greenway.

Tony