Coldharbour Lane has been described as "potentially hazardous" Picture: Google

New footpath could improve disabled and pushchair access to River Park

Tait ap EllisSeptember 16, 20250 Comment0

A NEW footpath could be built to make it easier for those with disabilities or mobility issues to access the River Park from Coldharbour Lane.

Coldharbour Lane crosses Ashley Road and connects the allotments to the rest of the city, running past the River Park.

Concerns were raised to councillor Chris Taylor, who proposed the motion, that the 70 metre stretch of road at Coldharbour Lane to the River Park entrance is “potentially hazardous” as it forces those with disabilities and mobility issues to walk in the middle of the road.

It has been proposed to install a new footpath alongside Dennis Marsh House connecting the pavement of Kingsland Road to a drop kerb opposite the entrance to the River Park to the rear of 9 Westminster Road.

The issue was discussed by councillors at a meeting of the full council yesterday (September 15).

“This is city council land and road, it is adopted so there’s no money from Wiltshire Council available – this is entirely our problem,” cllr Taylor said in the meeting.

He added: “This will be of benefit to other people rather than just those in the St Paul’s area. Lots of people will access the River Park this way, including school children.

A cost of £35,000 was suggested in the motion, with the potential that this could be funded through Community Infrastructure Levy funding – a pot developers contribute to fund local infrastructure, facilities and services.

“A ridiculously large amount of money”

Cllr Sven Hocking, who seconded cllr Taylor’s motion, said: “£35,000 divided by 70 (metres) is £500 a metre to put that path there.

“I’d like to tender for that if I may, because I reckon I can do a decent job for an awful lot less than that. That is ridiculously large amount of money to pay for what is going to be tarmac path.”

Cllr Samuel Foster proposed an amendment for the council to seek full quotes and come back for further discussion.

Cllr Ricky Rogers praised cllr Taylor for raising the issue with the council.

“This was a plea from a person who is partially sighted for uses this path quite frequently and wants to see it made safer for him and his carer when he travels down it.

“Its a very narrow stretch, it doesn’t feel safe when you’re walking along and a car passes you.”

He added: “What’s persuaded me to support this, despite it being a large sum of money, is the fact that this is going to be one of the main entrances River Park project.

“This will be a major route in and that path adds to the importance of having a safe route into that park.”

A final decision will be made once quotes for the work are sourced.