Boost for cycling in Bridgnorth

Local people and visitors will soon be able to cycle and walk along the completed National Cycle Route 45 in the county, after Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Endowed School agreed to work together to complete the final section.

After a meeting last week, headteacher Phil Loveday agreed to support the development of the cycle route around the edge of school playing fields beside the River Severn.  Mr Loveday said:

“We are pleased to be able to facilitate the improvement of this National Cycle Route to link Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.  It is a scenic route that will give the community increased opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Shropshire countryside.”

The council had previously been considering alternative routes, including the busy Broseley Road and narrow residential streets such as Bramble Ridge and Friars Street.

The proposed route around the playing fields will provide the final connection in a long-distance cycle route which uses quiet lanes, disused railways and forest tracks to link Wyre Forest in south Shropshire to Whitchurch in the north of the county.

National Cycle Route 45 (also known as the Mercian Way) has recently been extended along six miles of disused railway between Bridgnorth and Coalport. The old track bed surface has been improved by the council, and is now open to walkers and cyclists with the kind permission of local landowners. This section will be officially opened on Sunday 27 March 2011 during the ‘Daffodil Ride’, a charity cycle ride organised by Severn Hospice.

The final section of Route 45 around the Bridgnorth Endowed School playing fields will also help to support local tourism by providing easier access for visitors between Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

To progress this final section, the council and Bridgnorth Endowed School will shortly be submitting proposals to alter the route of an existing footpath which crosses the sports pitches. This will not affect the alignment of the Severn Way footpath.

Other works could include the introduction of route markers, dog bins, fencing and surfacing. These would benefit both the school and local community by improving access for walking and cycling to the riverside, reducing dog fouling and maximising the use of the sports pitches.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“This is great news and I welcome the completion of this important cycle route in Shropshire.  Using the edge of the playing fields will provide a safe route for walkers and cyclists, and open up the area to local people and visitors.”

Christian Lea, a Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said:

“I very much welcome the co-operation of Bridgnorth Endowed School in allowing Shropshire Council to route the final section of the scenic Mercian Way around the edge of the school playing fields.  This final link in the cycle route will enable both cyclists and walkers to enjoy the delightful Shropshire countryside and at the same time help to support local tourism.”