New path will boost active travel and safety for walkers near National Highways’ road scheme
Walkers will soon be enjoying new parts of the West Midlands’ countryside thanks to the team behind National Highways’ M42 junction 6 improvements scheme.
Funding from the project’s social value fund has enabled a new footpath to be created across land owned by the George Fentham Trust and linking the villages of Hampton in Arden and Bickenhill.
It will remove the need to walk along a narrow section of Shadowbrook Lane, instead taking people from the exit of Hampton Manor grounds and through the sports ground, arboretum, wildflower meadow, and woodland.
The new route is a ‘permissive path’ which means the landowner has allowed it to be used as a pathway but it isn’t an official public right of way. The idea for the path came from Parish Councillor with responsibility for Public Rights of Way, Roger Waring. He said:
“There are two public footpaths which form a popular direct route from Hampton village to Bickenhill and Elmdon but the section between is a very busy, narrow and quite uncomfortable road to walk.
“By connecting a new path from the extremity of the arboretum woodlands, the parish council and the landowners realised it would be possible to join the second section of the public right of way that spans the M42 in a direct manner, removing the need to walk Shadowbrook Lane.
“The funding from National Highways is a very useful contribution to the communities of Hampton-in-Arden, Bickenhill, and surrounding areas. It allows walkers, particularly those coming from the west, to enjoy a completely new experience.
“Those who would previously have bypassed the very pleasant grounds that comprise the George Fentham Estate can now appreciate such features as an arboretum, woodlands, a spinney, and a wildflower meadow. It also gives easier access to the railway station, and other local facilities.”
From left: Miles Allibone-Dover, National Highways Apprentice, with Cllr Roger Waring and Fozia Fazil, Social Value Manager at Skanska
National Highways Project Manager, Adam Gallis, said:
“We are delighted to be able to fund this project to promote walking between two villages which do not have any direct active transport links. The path will reduce the use of cars in this semi urban region which is in line with our aim at improving the environment. Connecting two important villages which have been directly affected by the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme will also foster community wellbeing by bringing people together.”
Fozia Fazil, Social Value Manager at the M42 junction 6 improvement’s delivery partner Skanska added:
“At Skanska, we believe in delivering social value initiatives that impact the local community, environment and wider society. Working closely with stakeholders, we look for opportunities that will help communities thrive and leave a positive legacy.”
Work on the path is continuing with a view to opening early next year.
Read more about the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme on the webpage here:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/m42-junction-6/
Notes to Editors
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