Responsibility & Management of Local Public Waterways John Lee, Public Rights of Way Officer 03 February 2014
Overview Where citizens like to walk, cycle and ride Rights of Way along watercourses Roles and responsibilities Safety Case Studies
Where citizens like to walk, cycle and ride • User survey undertaken as part of 2 nd Rights of Way Improvement Plan (due 2014)
Where citizens like to walk, cycle & ride What type of new rights of way would you like to see created in Nottingham? 72% Paths along rivers/canals 63% Paths to cycle on Paths to the open spaces/countryside 61% 60% Circular routes 49% Paths to walk on 41% Paths linking to public transport, tram / bus stops 38% Safer routes to schools/shops/amenities Linear routes (where the return journey is along the same 24% (path 13% Paths suitable for mobility scooters/chairs 7% Paths to ride a horse on 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Where citizens like to walk, cycle & ride What are your main reasons for using Nottingham’s Rights of Way? Pleasure / personal enjoyment 86% For exercise / health reasons 76% To access open space/countryside 65% To go to work 43% To go to the shops / local amenities 36% 31% To get out and about with the family 15% To visit attractions 15% Organised events (such as walking/cycling/horse riding events) To go to school / college 6% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Rights of Way along watercourses Over 15 miles of Rights of Way along watercourses: • River Trent (Clifton & Wilford) • Fairham Brook (Clifton & Silverdale) • River Leen (Basford and Bulwell • Nottingham & Beeston Canal (Lenton, Dunkirk, Beeston) Annual maintenance costs ~£50,000
Roles and responsibilities Responsible for maintenance of the canal (NCC contribution) Highway Authority Consenting body for large schemes and create some footpaths on flood banks Maintain Fairham Brook PROW in partnership with NCC
Roles and responsibilities
Safety of users on a Right of Way • Duty to maintain to a standard consistent with daily use • For example, a bridleway should be safe for equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians • No statutory duty to provide lighting
Case Study: River Trent • Bridleway damaged following 2000 flood event • Resulted in cyclist falling off his bicycle and a personal injury claim • Council now inspect following a flood and any erosion or damage is repaired as soon as practically possible
Case Study: Fairham Brook • In 2009, Brook eroded and threatened to undermine stability of foot / cycle path • EA carried out repairs using “Willow Kids”
Case Study: Fairham Brook
Case Study: River Leen • Improvements to River Leen access undertaken in 2010 • Green Infrastructure funding • Extended bridleway towards Bulwell Town Centre • Improved wildlife habitats for watervoles
Case Study: Colwick Footbridge • Proposed footbridge in Colwick Park to cross “The Loop” • Will link Nottingham and Gedling
Case Study: Colwick Footbridge
Case Study: The Big Track • Delivered in partnership with British Waterways (Canal and River Trust), University of Nottingham and Broxtowe BC • 10 mile circular route opened in 2005 • Cost £3.5m to create and maintain to date • Funded through external grants and NCC LTP
Future Work: Willow Bridge & Board Walk
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