Calls for more safety along drug-ridden river path

A motion calling for action to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety along a riverside footpath in Peterborough will be debated at a council meeting next week.

Andrew O'Neil, Reform UK councillor for Woodston and Fletton ward, submitted a motion to Peterborough City Council highlighting issues along the route from Wareley Road to Pleasure Fair Meadow Road, along the Nene Valley Railway.

He said residents reported witnessing drug use along the path, with discarded paraphernalia regularly found in the area.

O'Neil is asking the council to improve the safety on the route, including identifying land ownership along the path and introducing a maintenance programme to cut back vegetation.

The motion states that dense overgrown vegetation, including brambles and bamboo, has reduced visibility along sections of the footpath and has created hiding places where people congregate.

Residents have also raised concerns about human waste being left along the route and say fears over crime and personal safety are discouraging people from using the path.

According to the motion, some residents, particularly those who are elderly or infirm, now avoid the footpath altogether and rely on taxis to reach the city centre for shopping and essential journeys.

The motion will be discussed at Peterborough City Council's full council meeting on Wednesday.

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