Success in campaign to improve Great Central Way
After years of campaigning Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors for Eastlands Ward, Cllr Sue Roodhouse, Cllr Neil Sandison and Cllr Dale Keeling have welcomed the securing of £52,000 by Rugby Borough Council to tackle flooding on the footpath and cycleway between the Clifton Road Bridge and Hillmorton's Pytchley Road.
Flooding regularly blocks the three-quarter of a mile stretch of the former Great Central Railway line, forcing walkers and cyclists to take a detour through the nature reserve which runs next to the path.
The grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust means the path, part of the National Cycle Network, can be raised, with drainage pipes installed to divert water into the nature reserve - which includes important wetland wildlife habitat.
Eastlands Councillors supported the funding application, campaigned online by setting up the Save the Great Central Way Facebook page and lobbied behind the scenes to secure the money. Other partners involved include Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Rugby Wildlife Group, Sustrans - the charity which co-ordinates the National Cycle Network, Warwickshire County Council, Rugby Cycle Forum, Rugby Disability Forum and Sustainable Rugby.
Work on the improvements started in January and should be completed in March 2017.
Cllr Neil Sandison on behalf of the Eastlands Ward Councillors said:
"This grant will enable the Great Central Way to remain part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network route 41. Serious consideration was being given because of its very poor condition and deterioration to removing it from the network which is why we and many voluntary groups have over the years given our support to its repair and maintainance .This is a step in the right direction and fits into the previous enhancements like the healthy living walk supported and funded by our County Councillors."
The Save the Great Central Way Facebook page continues to be updated with photos and details of the work taking place.