Welcome to Autumn, appalling weather conditions has rendered the village inaccessible to Caddington Woods residents except by car. 

I’m yet to see a petition on behalf of Caddington village residents asking to see more cars and more traffic. Recent bumper to bumper queues of vehicles from hatters way to the village was quite a sight to behold.

On a personal level several social meets at the Chequers have had to be turned down. It is 22 mins walking distance from Redrow. But through mud, bumpy woodland or along a death trap of a road? It’s a pass! 

The Heritage Greenway as originally planned would make this possible all year round. Not just those warm summer afternoons that were enjoyed so much.

I started this petition because I want to see people who live in our parish connected and able to leave their expensive and stressful motorised metal cages behind. I want to see people in Caddington Woods enjoying the Chequers and using the Coop and those local businesses able to access those extra customers. Getting a prescription from the pharmacy when our only bus is one way and one hour isn’t really working for some of our families and neighbours.

Here is the update:

From the minutes of the October meeting of Caddington Parish Council:

‘Some measuring work had taken place regarding the Heritage Greenway although negotiations with one land
owner are still ongoing. An agreement is close and he (Cllr Collins) hopes that some work to create the Greenway could
start next year.’

This is the most positive and tangible progress seen since the plans were first proposed 9 years ago. And since the path orders were published. 

It was a travesty that one of our neighbours in our community sought to stand in the way and frustrate these path orders. One individual who is opposed to the wishes and interests of 780 and growing people. The objection must be withdrawn and a compromise found. The suggestion is that this is near. But we learned in 2023 from the council minutes that the landowner would cease to oppose the greenway if the route was altered. This was granted and yet a new objection was lodged anyway. So it is right to be skeptical of the good faith of the landowner and whether they will be willing to cooperate on what is an issue of local interest, well-being, amenity and democracy. 

Your support has made a huge difference and has given hope to a community. Perhaps in a years time we will see us moving closer to the Caddington I have read about in Frank Sutton’s excellent history book about our parish. A large area with a thriving community spirit that is well connected and happy. The Greenway must soon take its place as part of that history.