(Updated 8/1/09): The cycle path between Sylvester Street and Carr House Lane in Lancaster is to be closed for two months from 10th January to allow works to take place on the land between the path and railway. There are no plans by the contractor for a diversionary route to be put in place, which has provoked outraged from local cyclists.
“I think it is completely unacceptable get just three days’ notice of the closure of a very significant cycling and walking route,” commented Dave Horton of Dynamo, the Lancaster and District Cycle Campaign. “This is a major route for local schoolchildren, and anyone wanting to move between west and south Lancaster without having to negotiate the city centre and we are told the contractor has no plans for a diversionary route.
“We are a cycling demonstration town (CDT). The contractor should be told they must put in a diversionary route – the City Council surely has some ability to influence this process.”
Responding to complaints, it seems the the first thing the City Council knew about the closure was yesterday when staff spotted the ad in the Lancaster Guardian. It is staff at the County Council who have authorised this closure and allowed it to go ahead without a diversion.
“This closure has not been authorised by the City Council but by Lancashire Countryside Services,” The Council’s Celebrating Cycling Team said in a statement released 8 January. “We realise the inconvenience this may cause and have asked them why this closure has been allowed without a diversion being put in place.
“We will update our website if we hear anything further.”
Any enquiries or complaints should be sent to countrysideservices@lancashire.gov.uk.
(Web Link: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/countryside/contact.asp
You might also want to contact your local councilors, and push them to take action on your behalf.