Footpath to RAF museum nears completion

Thousands of people visiting a popular museum will no longer have to walk on the road to reach it as a new footpath opens.

Previously, visitors travelling to the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands at RAF Cosford, Shropshire, by train had to walk along an unsafe road to visit the museum.

But a £350,000 investment now means a dedicated footpath connecting the nearby railway station and the museum is expected to be finished by Friday.

The MP for the area, Mark Pritchard, said he was "delighted", adding: "Previously this was not a safe route."

Work on the path started in June, with the final phase closing Worcester Road West between 08:00 and 17:00 each day and traffic restrictions introduced on Long Lane, Neachley.

That means access through Long Lane will be restricted to HGVs and coaches travelling to the RAF Museum, except where direct access is required to properties and businesses.

As well as creating the footpath, contractors have installed street lights along the route.

It has been paid for by a grant of £350,000 from Active Travel England and was designed by engineering design firm WSP to create a safe 15-minute walk to and from the station.

The RAF Museum attracts nearly 500,000 visitors a year and another 50,000 visit the annual air show at the site.

Shropshire Council said making rail travel safer would "help to alleviate some of the pressure on local roads" and give visitors more choices.

"The new footpath is much needed and will help improve access and safety for commuters and visitors travelling by public transport who currently must walk along the road with no safe refuge," said a spokesperson for the museum.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.