Cllr. Jill Whitehead reports:

“On Tuesday, 15th October 2013, your local councillors all attended the regular committee meeting of the Friends of The Grove Park of which Cllr. Hamish Pollock is chair and of which I am a past chair and now a committee member. We learned of the proposals by an organisation called Sustrans about their proposal for a new cycle path (to be shared with pedestrians!) in The Grove Park between the gate at Papermill Close and the ballcourts by the bowls pavilion towards the High Street, Carshalton, together with a link up using the existing footpath leading to the newly refurbished Westcroft Leisure Centre.” 

The footbridge near to the Westcroft Centre (see picture)would be widened to 3 metres also. Generally speaking, the existing/old paths would be followed but widened substantially, as the route of the cycle path which would be approx. 3 metres wide (10 feet in old money). 

This proposal is part of a borough wide strategy to improving cycling routes following requests from local residents and cycling organisations.  Proposals are being developed for cycle paths in both Carshalton Park and The Oaks Park in Carshalton.

Much was discussed  on Tuesday- including removal of the existing footpath’s “blind spot” by the bowls pavilion, the proposed colour of the path’s surface and the metal edging, the surface of the path being durable and non-slip for the steeper parts, directional signs and notices for cyclists and pedestrians.  A land drainage pipe would be taken under the path where it crosses the ditch near Papermill Close. 

Further details will be available and will be discussed at the next Carshalton & Clockhouse Local Committee to be held from 730pm on Tuesday, 19th November at Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church, Banstead Road, Carshalton Beeches, quite near the parades of shops.  Please let us know what you think.