Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Services

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

The Community Services Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members. She advised Members that approval was being sought to re-allocate the £40k that had previously been earmarked as a contribution to the Ashby to Hicks Lodge Cycle Route and put towards the final part of the Hicks Lodge to Moira Furnace route. She informed Members that the original route was subject to a planning application that had been refused and therefore would now not be progressing.

Councillor R Blunt stated that cycle paths were crucial to the area for visitors to Hicks Lodge and to keep people cycling.

Councillor R D Bayliss stated that it was difficult not to support the recommendation before them however he was extremely disappointed over the loss of the route from Ashby highlighting that the only option to travel to Hicks Lodge was by car as both the roads were very dangerous. He asked if it would be possible to investigate securing a route from Ashby to Hicks Lodge.

Councillor A V Smith agreed that it was disappointing that the original proposed route was no longer viable but it had been subject to a planning application however she could not see any reason why investigations could be carried out to see if a route from Ashby to Hicks Lodge would be possible, but stressed that land availability may be an issue.

It was moved by Councillor A V Smith, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The investment of £40,000 towards the development of cycling infrastructure in the Heart of the Forest be further approved.

2.    Officers continue to work with Leicestershire County Council and other stakeholders to investigate the possibility of a cycleway linking Ashby de la Zouch with Hicks Lodge.

Reason for decision:To reallocate resources due to the withdrawal of the original cycle route scheme.