Scunthorpe News
Manor Park Cycle Route
Written by Hamst
| Being a keen cyclist imagine my delight when North Lincolnshire Council submitted a successful bid to Sustrans as part of the Connect2 project for the development of an off-road pedestrian/cycle facility that runs through the western side of Scunthorpe, from the A1077 to High Leys Road. The scheme, the largest that has been proposed in the area is estimated to cost around £3.3 million and will provide a safe route away from traffic, encourage more sustainable travel and healthy lifestyles and provide an excellent route linking some of the key facilities in the area e.g. schools, colleges, Scunthorpe town centre, central park, the Pods and Atkinson's warren. It links in with a range of other areas such as improving health and reducing obesity, safe routes to school and reducing the school run as well as reducing the carbon footprint. The total cost of the Core Route set out in the bid was approximately £3.3 million of which Sustrans have provisionally allocated £1 million to the scheme. The scheme is set to be done in the seven phases as follows; • Phase 1 2009/10 - Kingsway Junction • Phase 2 2009/10 - Burringham Road to Bridges Road • Phase 3 2010/11 - West Common Lane to Kingsway • Phase 4 2011/12 - Cliff Close to Doncaster Road • Phase 5 2011/12 - Doncaster Road to Ferry Road • Phase 6 2012/13 - Bridges Road to West Common • Phase 7 2013 - Bridges Many people would argue that the money could have been spent on other things and that the council is wasting taxpayer’s money, etc, etc. Sustran are contributing £1m of the money and North Lincolnshire Council had to match fund this, yes that would mean a £2m pound spend and the estimated cost is £3.3m but I believe the finished route will be an asset to the town. So far phases 1 and two have been complete whilst work presses ahead on phase 3. Living in Yaddlethorpe I use phase 2 of the scheme on a daily basis traveling to and from work , this take me from Burringham Road through Manor Park to Bridges Road and visa-versa. The only bug bear was having to contend with the amount of broken glass, drinks cans, stones, mud and other debris that started to build up along this stretch of the route, twice I’ve had punctures as a result of using this cycle path. I decided to use the council’s Online reporting system on their website, it was easy to find and easy to use. Although it didn’t have a specific ‘tick box’ for my complaint it did have a comment box where I could detail my grievance. After writing my complaint I also requested a mechanical sweeper visit this cycle route at least once a month. Having received the standard automated reply with a reference number I thought it would take an age before anything would be done. Imagine my surprise when within two working days the route had been swept, truly something the council should be applauded for, well done North Lincolnshire Council. The only problem is now after just two weeks the path is once again strewn with glass and is becoming an obstacle course littered with other debris. Will the council respond to my request that it be swept once a month? I wait to see. |
 Manor Park Cycle Way
 Phase.3 Through Ridge Walk
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