To: sgh.routes@essex.gov.uk

Cc: john.broomfield@littlebury.org.uk; Cllr.Paul.Gadd@essex.gov.uk

FAO Mary Graham and Charlotte Brooks

Hello Mary and Charlotte,

Littlebury Parish Council shared details of the Walking and Cycling Surveys / Consultation organised by you. I cannot express how pleased I am that Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to improving pedestrian and cycle links in the area;  it is something of a hot topic in Littlebury and surrounding hamlets which are essentially cut-off from our local market town, Saffron Walden, other than by car.

The purpose of this note is to share one simple example of how ECC could very cost effectively make it easier and safer for local residents to walk from Littlebury into Saffron Walden along the mile-long stretch of the B184 (‘Windmill Hill’).

Attached are a few photos (taken earlier in the year) illustrating: 1) the poor state the pavement has fallen into after years of neglect and 2) the excellent condition the path is actually in as demonstrated once a fellow-villager (Richard) and I had removed years of debris.

 

 

 

Photo 1) The current state of the path. This photo was taken AFTER Richard and I had cleared the nettles and brambles! I know of several young mums in Littlebury who push prams (one a double buggy) along this path! Unbelievable! Older, infirm, residents do not dare venture along this route as traffic thunders by, inches from what remains of the path, at speeds of 50mph+.

Photo 2) The path is actually in EXCELLENT CONDITION, underneath the years of debris. Notice how WIDE the path actually is!

Photo 3) This photo shows the view from Littlebury towards Walden. Once the debris has been removed, it turns out that the path is nearly 3 times as wide and is in great condition!

 

For the sake of a very minimal investment, namely: 1) clearing the debris; 2) properly cutting back the weeds and branches; 3) stabilising the bank along the golf course wall with something as simple as well rooted grass and 4) either a fence or hedge along the road side to serve as a guardrail from traffic, we could have a path which is safe and convenient for walking and cycling.

I would be grateful if you could contact me in order that we can arrange for you to visit Littlebury in order to discuss how we can realise this and other cost effective pedestrian and cycle-access opportunities in the neighbourhood.

Regards

Tim Coyne

Littlebury