Green wheel walks for your enjoyment

Central Beds Council (CBC) has launched a consultation about its latest ‘green wheel’ project, which this time features Sandy.

Proposals for the green wheel, which will circle the town, have been created by CBC, Sandy Town Council and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC).

Central Beds Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities, said: “We really hope that local residents and businesses will have their say on these proposals, which offer exciting opportunities to increase walking and cycling opportunities both within and around the town.”

The wheel will provide a continuous circuit around Sandy for walkers and 
cyclists.

It will link to the bridleway network. However in the short term it may only be suitable for walkers.

Overall there will be enhanced public access. Where possible new habitats, landscape features and accessible green spaces will be created.

Existing features which will be merged into the green wheel include the Kingfisher Way, the Greensand Ridge Walk, the Great North Cycleway, National Cycle Route 51, The Riddy, The Pinnacle and the RSPB reserve.

Ideally the routes will be traffic free, offer easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs and have the potential to be upgraded for use by cyclists.

It should be well maintained, with clear signposts and information boards and safe crossings at roads.

The routes should be protected from future development and if the area is built on the existing path should remain as an inner route and a new outer route be made.

To complete the consultation and to see the full plans online visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations

Copies are also available in Sandy Library, in the tourist information centre and in the Sandy Town Council offices in Cambridge Road.

Representatives from CBC and the BRCC will be available to talk to on Tuesday, June 3 in Sandy Library from noon to 3pm and at Budgens in the market square from 4pm to 7pm.

The consultation runs until Monday, June 23.