Footpath 071

Criterion and examples

Score

Comment

Is the path made easy to use and is it worth using?

Signage (legible, accurate and useful statement of destination, distance, any hazards, not vandalised?)

1

No destination indicated at either end. Appears to start in carpark at W end, although the definitive path starts on the NW side of the ‘island’ of the gyratory system (again not signed). Anybody unfamiliar with the path would not realize it was there. Signs to indicate the road route (e.g. to the walk along Ippolitts Brook or the Ninesprings Road shops) at the eastern end would help.

Connectivity (is the path useful in connecting locations, providing a shortcut or alternative to road journey)

4

Links Ninesprings area with town centre via Kershaw’s Hill path, although this requires crossing the gyratory system. Pedestrian provision to do so is poor.

Attractiveness (are there points of interest, pleasant surroundings, wildlife opportunities,  freedom from noise – e.g. of factories)

3

Unspectacular, but quiet and pleasant with a variety of trees and good bird habitats at western end. The short sections to the east of Westwood Avenue, are less interesting.

Health, safety and security

Surface (evenness, potholes, evidence of recent maintenance, dry and not muddy, where paving slabs, are they secure and even?)

4

Western end is tarmac in good condition with only minor potholes. Some areas of damage by tree roots. Eastern end is paved, which is mainly even. The surface deteriorates and is affected by tree roots on the descending approach to Willoughby Way travelling W to E.

By the barrier at the E end, there is broken concrete in the surround of a manhole cover which could present a trip hazard.

Boundaries (are they in good repair, clear of graffiti or other vandalism, overgrown where hedges, is the path free of over-hanging branches?)

4

Mixture of fences and hedges, invariably in good repair, and with little graffiti, except on a few brick surfaces. No overhanging branches.

Wheelchair access (wide enough, suitable surface and gradient, steps?)

3

Surface is suitable although there is minor tree root damage. One area (see above) is slightly steep. At the western end, the issue is how to safely negotiate the gyratory system. The gradient of Kershaws Hill and any parallel route would also be a problem.

Barriers to prevent children running onto busy roads at ends?

N

The only busy road is Highbury Rd. Since the path here passes garages, there is no barrier, but this would be unlikely to present a risk to supervised children.

Barriers to prevent access by motor vehicles? (are they broken or have they been removed / damaged?)

Some

There is no barrier at the western end. There is a mixture of low concrete bollards and offset steel barriers at other junctions.

Cycling – do cyclists routinely ride, do they pose a danger

Y

The path is wide enough and the barriers would not prevent access. Those observed rode sensibly.

Lighting (distance between, does it work?)

4

Lights every 40 yards. All lights intact, but not in use at time of inspection.

Visibility (is there passive surveillance, are there bends or corners which would raise perceived crime threat?)

3

Path is overlooked throughout much, but not all of its length. There is a short section just before the E end approaching Westwood Avenue where the path turns left and right. This is well illuminated, but would be uninviting at night.

Litter

Is there litter and / or fly-tipping (both on path and in visible surroundings) Is litter ‘offensive’ – e.g. syringes / condoms?

4

Very little

Litter bins – are there any and have they been emptied?

N

No bins

Dog fouling – recent?

Y/N

Very little

Dog excrement bins – are there any?

Y

Only at W end.

Conclusions

·         A potentially useful path to connect the town centre with Ninesprings and routes to open country to the east

·         Access at W end involves crossing potentially hazardous gyratory system

·         Poor signage means that anybody without a map who does not know the area might have difficulty in finding the start of the path at the W. end, and the garages might deter the casual explorer. At the E. end, no signage indicates how to access the rest of the path in Westwood Avenue, and there is nothing to show how to find the Ninesprings shops or the HOOP

·         Minor improvements to surface would make the path more usable by wheelchair users, but access at the western end is problematic due to the road system and gradients on approach

Recommended action

·         Improve signage to give destination and distance, route from end of path to open country (e.g. HOOP), road route to Ninesprings shops at eastern end, and the dog-leg where route crosses Westwood Avenue

·         Consider steps to improve safety of road crossing at W end

·         Check requirements for wheelchair access and improve surface to west of Willoughby Way