Cycle-Way Windfall For The Asking

The New Forest could win a healthy slice of a huge windfall – if everyone gets on the blower later this year. If enough people phone into a television vote in December a new safe cycle link will be created between communities on either side of the A35. A number of major projects are up for consideration under the Big Lottery Fund £50 million Living Landmarks; the People’s Millions competition.The ultimate decision will be made in December when the Living Landmarks project with the most ‘phone-in’ support during the event due to be broadcast on ITV will take the pot. New Forest rangers are rooting for the Sustrans Connect2 bid, which includes a £250,000 scheme for a cycle crossing, at Holmsley.If the work goes ahead it will link parts of the Forestry Commission’s existing cycle network, joining Burley and Bransgore to the west of the A35, with Sway and Brockenhurst to the east. Ranger Gemma Ward, said: “The scheme is only a part of the Sustrans bid to develop bridges, tunnels and new walking and cycling routes with 79 communities around the UK.But the potential benefit to people in the New Forest is absolutely huge – for cyclists and walkers too.People currently have to negotiate their way through fast moving traffic on a very busy road. It puts a lot of people off riding their bikes in the area altogether. “The scheme would involve building a new ramp up to the crossing point – a former railway bridge. A verge-side gravel track would also be created running alongside the A35 past the Station House restaurant.From there riders would rejoin the cycle network as it goes into Clayhill Bottom.” Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity. Regional manager Nick Farthing, said: “Our scheme is up against strong opposition.But the thing that makes ‘Connect2’ unique is that it reaches communities in every corner of the UK. The enjoyment, health, and environmental benefits this sustainable transport scheme could deliver are truly immense.” Mr. Farthing said that people wanting to find out more and register their support should visit the www.sustransconnect2.org.uk website or text connect2 to 80010.