Anger over 'lack of clarity' on closed footpath

1 hour ago

Kevin StanleyNottingham

News image — Residents took out their frustration on this sign after the initial closure

BBC An official sign saying "keep out" which has bee defaced by graffiti — Residents took out their frustration on this sign after the initial closure

An MP is calling for the reopening of a footpath that has been shut for nearly three years because of damage.

The pedestrian and cycle "greenway" route, linking Radcliffe-on-Trent to Cotgrave in Nottinghamshire, closed in January 2024 after unauthorised work destabilised an embankment.

James Naish, the Labour representative for Rushcliffe, delivered a 2,600-strong petition to Nottinghamshire County Council on Saturday demanding the route be reinstated.

The authority said it was looking at ways of restoring the path, adding that this was subject to ongoing legal matters.

A group of gloomy-looking people standing near a bridge in the rain — The closure of the path has upset residents in Radcliffe-on-Trent

Naish, who had already presented his petition to Parliament, said: "The pathway is the main active travel route between the two locations. It's used extensively by many people for leisure, to meet friends or getting to and from school.

"There is a lack of clarity, which people have been seeking since before I was elected to Parliament in mid-2024."

The county council previously confirmed it was taking legal action against the suspected perpetrators.

The MP has now staged a symbolic walk from Radcliffe-on-Trent to County Hall in West Bridgford, suggesting that the cost of repairs should not be prohibitive.

Naish added: "This government has given £6.7 million pounds to Nottinghamshire County Council to put into 'active travel schemes', part of which could be used for this project. If the decision is that it's not a priority, then residents deserve to hear the reason."

A county council spokesperson said: "Significant work has been ongoing behind the scenes to ensure that the damage caused to the route can be rectified in a sustainable way that limits the financial impact on taxpayers.

"However, the county council cannot comment further on the matter at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings."

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