WALKERS will soon be enjoying new parts of the countryside thanks to the team behind the M42 junction 6 scheme.
Funding from the project’s social value fund has enabled a new footpath to be created across land owned by the George Fentham Trust and linking the villages of Hampton in Arden and Bickenhill.
It will remove the need to walk along a narrow section of Shadowbrook Lane, instead taking people from the exit of Hampton Manor grounds and through the sports ground, arboretum, wildflower meadow, and woodland.
The new route is a ‘permissive path’ which means the landowner has allowed it to be used as a pathway but it isn’t an official public right of way.
The idea for the path came from Hampton in Arden Parish Councillor, Roger Waring, who is responsible for Public Rights of Way.
The Catherine De Barnes ward Councillor said: “By connecting a new path from the extremity of the arboretum woodlands, the parish council and the landowners realised it would be possible to join the second section of the public right of way that spans the M42 in a direct manner, removing the need to walk Shadowbrook Lane.
“The funding from National Highways is a very useful contribution to the communities of Hampton-in-Arden, Bickenhill, and surrounding areas. It allows walkers, particularly those coming from the west, to enjoy a completely new experience.
“Those who would previously have bypassed the very pleasant grounds that comprise the George Fentham Estate can now appreciate such features as an arboretum, woodlands, a spinney, and a wildflower meadow. It also gives easier access to the railway station, and other local facilities.”
National Highways project manager, Adam Gallis, said: “We are delighted to be able to fund this project to promote walking between two villages which do not have any direct active transport links.
“The path will reduce the use of cars in this semi urban region which is in line with our aim at improving the environment. Connecting two important villages which have been directly affected by the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme will also foster community wellbeing by bringing people together.”
National Highway bosses say the path is set to open early next year.
For more about the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme click here.
