Agenda item

Langport Cycleway Report (Executive Decision)

Meeting of Area North Committee, Wednesday 22nd March 2017 2.00 pm (Item 167.)

Decision:

RESOLVED:

That members:

1. Approved £2,706 of funding from Area North Reserves to pay the access licence fees for 2017/2018 to allow for a period of investigation by officers.

2. Noted the future options available for the route.

3. Agreed to a further report being brought at the end of 2017 to discuss and progress the future management arrangements for the route.

Reason:

To provide an update on the current position of the Langport Cycleway and to consider financial support towards the access licence fees for 2017/2018.

(Voting: Unanimous)

Minutes:

The Countryside Manager and Neighbourhood Development Officer (North) presented the report as detailed in the agenda, and explained that it was considered an appropriate time to review the future of the route. They noted the route was fully accessible but not in great condition, and locally it was valued as a recreational route. They noted there was need to talk with local people, user groups and parish councils to ascertain opinions and explore future options. It also needed to be borne in mind that the route links to other recreational and tourism routes and activities locally.

During a short discussion members expressed support for the one-off funding package, as this would create the time needed for a longer term plan to be developed, such as parish councils being approached regarding possible funding. It was noted that cycle routes were being explored elsewhere locally with aspirations to link to the Langport Cycleway.

It was proposed to approve the officer recommendations, and on being put to the vote, was carried unanimously.