Agenda item

The Leisure & Recreation Manager presented the report which updated members on SSDC’s work with local stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for the Langport Cycleway, and its continued use by the community. She noted that although the project was behind schedule, officers were confident a solution could be achieved in the next few months.

She explained that recent work had focussed on engaging with the local communities and ascertaining the works required for a handover. An estimate of the funding required was provided, and it was hoped that with a Memorandum of Understanding between the partnerships coming forward that they would be eligible to seek sources of external funding.

It was anticipated that a further report would come forward to Area North Committee in June with a request for capital funding.

During discussion, members expressed their support for the project and noted that the consultation responses clearly indicated the cycleway was important locally. The Leisure & Recreation Manager and the Neighbourhood Development Officer (North) responded to points of detail including that:

·         Currently there was an annual fee for two licences plus maintenance costs. If the land was purchased then the annual funding required would be substantially reduced and SSDC would have no ongoing costs.

·         The local communities were very much in favour of taking on responsibility for the cycleway.

·         Some partners were offering direct financial contributions; others were offering in-kind contributions such as people or project management and insurance.

·         Some route improvements and replacement of access furniture would be completed before handover to the community.

At the end of discussion members were content to note the report and agreed to accept a further report coming forward in June.