The download below is the Chesterfield and District Civic Society’s response to Derbyshire County Council’s plans for an east-west walking and cycling route for Chesterfield – an extension and re-work of the so-called Hipper Valley Trail.

Costed at just over £1.6 million the route will go from the A619 junction with Holymoor Road, along Chatsworth Road and the existing Hipper Valley Trail, through Queen’s Park. It will then go to the hospital by using Crow Lane and Wetlands Lane. The consultation closes on 25 March 2021.

In general, the Civic Society welcomes highway improvements that encourage more people to cycle. It does, however, feel that there are elements of the scheme which could compromise the safety and convenience of other road-users, including pedestrians and drivers of private motor-cars and light and heavy goods vehicles.

It is understood that the scheme costs will be borne entirely by an earmarked grant from the Government. The Society, however, is concerned at the stated cost of the works – averaging some £320,000 per mile – especially as the central portion of the route was created in its present form only a few years ago at a reported cost of £1m

To find out more about the proposals visit the consultation site here.

The Civic Society’s full response can be downloaded below.