Footpath to Bridleway?

 

Start of new surface

FOOTPATH 29 – Could it be a Bridleway?

With the resurfacing of the lower few metres of Footpath 29 at Webbs Farm Close to Mill Springs Bus Bay and the rear Testbourne school gate, the question arises again as to whether the designation of the Public Right of Way should be amended from Footpath to Bridleway.

Archaic law

Currently Footpath 29 is restricted to foot use only and those using cycles or horses are prohibited. The law on the right of way is archaic and it can be argued not fit for purpose. 

Cyclists do not have a 'right of way' on public footpaths, but they are not committing a crime. They are committing the tort of trespass against the landowner, who is the only person who can seek a judicial remedy -– i.e. damages. 

The newly surfaced section of FP29

If you aren't doing any damage then all the landowner can do is ask you to leave. Should you refuse they can call the police and argue a case to have you removed. Realistically this doesn't very often happen!

And then? 

It will still remain a civil matter and the owner would have to pursue you for damages through the civil courts, a very expensive option.

However, regarding Footpath 29, there is a very strong historical case including some clear evidence that it served as a Bridleway in the past, serving local farms. This has led to a current application to have Footpath 29 officially, some would say correctly, designated as a Bridleway. 

Networks and links

From a cycling point of view designating the lower newly resurfaced part as a bridleway, or even as a shared use path, would make a lot of sense. The short resurfaced section joins into the new cycle route to Nun's Walk and Tufton and would provide a link for cycling to school (or even by horse should you wish to travel that way!).  Nun's Walk could also be designated as a Green Lane with access for light local traffic only, providing a safer access to the Test valley, Longparish and the National Cycle Network Route 246.

In addition if the upper unsurfaced section of Footpath 29 were designated as a bridleway, it could create a direct link to the Mill Springs sports pitches/open space as well as providing a route out into the countryside, again promoting active travel and tourism.

Winchester Road

This needs improvement
along Winchester Road

As a supplementary issue, some have called for the footway on Winchester Road between Webbs Farm Close and Micheldever Road to be improved.
Again this makes much sense and provide a much safer pedestrian and cycle route link to the town centre as well as to the Primary School. If the additional Mill Springs housing development takes place such a route would be highly beneficial, as well as it linking directly to the Tufton path.

Summary

In summary, development of a safer network for walking and cycling would greatly benefit the town. It would encourage use of 'greener' and 'active' travel for local school, shopping and business journeys, promote tourism and leisure activity, assist the climate emergency, reduce pollution and assist in reducing the congestion on the roads. These would also relate to some of the Neighbourhood Plan policies.

Designation of FP29 as a Bridleway would help enable all this.

And on horse use

Whilst this 'article' has focussed on cycling, a lot of recognition for the equestrian fraternity should be given particularly for their excellent work in making a case to Hampshire County Council for Footpath 29 to be officially designated as a Bridleway. Their strong case has been submitted to Hampshire County Council for consideration. Unfortunately it is a very long drawn out process. 

Let us hope it happens sooner rather than later.

A map showing suggested links and proposals to improve network:

POTHOLES and DAMAGED PAVEMENTS CAN KILL – Call for Action

Potholes on roads and damaged pavements with trip hazards are becoming an increasingly major problem as Councils cut back on road maintenance.

Whether your main method of travel is as a pedestrian, cyclist, motor-cyclist or driver, this lack of maintenance and repair work affects us all. 
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

They not only cause damage but can result in serious injury and even death, and while we all continue to pay increasing taxes, our Councils are seemingly becoming less responsive in dealing with the problems.

On a major school route.

In Whitchurch there is barely a road that is unaffected, or a pavement that does not have loose paving slabs or cracks. And when a journey is made further afield the situation is the same.

• For the pedestrian and especially anyone with mobility impairments the lack of maintenance can result in trips or falls often requiring medical attention. 
• For the cyclist potholes as well as causing severe damage can result in loss of control, falls, and serious injury or worse, and can place increased strain on the health service. 
• For drivers and motor-cyclists serious damage can occur to vehicles ranging from burst tyres and wheel misalignment to steering and suspension damage.
  Loss of control can result in life-threatening situations.

Potholes kill and maim

Department for Transport figures show that EACH WEEK one cyclist dies or suffers life-threatening injuries as a result of the condition of our roads. And the trend is increasing.

ACTION IS NEEDED – NOW

Stop passing the buck
The legal responsibilities rest with Hampshire County Council and pressure needs to be put on them and the Councillors who are elected to represent us, to make our travel safe.

However, both Basingstoke & Deane and Whitchurch Town Council also have duties to support their residents. 

As Hampshire are failing and putting our safety at risk they too should be taking action and increase pressure on HCC.

No longer should they say "Its not us, it's Hampshire".
Passing the buck is no longer an option.

Let's all work TOGETHER

Call on the Councils to ACT NOW and allocate adequate resources – before someone you know is injured or killed.

_________________________

REPORTING LINKS

Hampshire County Council
Main HCC website
For reporting highway/road/pavement/cycle path/verge problems
Reporting Problems

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Main BDBC website

Test Valley Borough Council (for areas to west of Whitchurch)
Main TVBC website

Whitchurch Town Council
Contact details

A Film Powered by Bicycles

A full feature film powered by bicycles is planned for later this year in Andover.

 
As part of Andover Cycling Festival, a giant cinema screen will pop-up in Vigo Park on Saturday, 29th July to show a classic feature film.

 
Test Valley Borough Council say:

The film will be powered solely by energetic volunteers on static bikes, so come along with your sports gear and lots of energy if you fancy taking part.

Don't worry if you're not in the mood to pedal, as you can still bring a blanket and enjoy this the film in the open air.

 
They have also asked people to choose which film should be shown at the outdoor cinema, with the selected film soon to be announced.

Hazards of removing Cycle Parking

Last year Whitchurch Town Council voted to remove a number of cycle parking stands from the town centre. This followed representations from some businesses which believed they restricted the use of the pavements for their loading/unloading. Yes, they wanted to park vehicles on the pavements despite there being parking just yards away.

The irony
As previously covered here, there is much evidence that provision of cycle parking can enhance a town centre's economy yet in Whitchurch that reasoning was not accepted.
Ironically after the cycle parking was removed a number of businesses have closed including the main objectors.
See:
CYCLING BENEFITS

But taking cycle parking away does not remove its need.
Whitchurch is already popular with visiting cyclists who use the cafés and shops, yet they now have to lean their cycles against frontages, which naturally can cause annoyance to shopkeepers.
Worse, some cycles are now left lying on pavements as obstructions, causing trip and unnecessary dangers to pedestrians and are particularly hazardous to the less mobile and sight impaired.

Left lying on the pavement.

The Town Council is urged to follow the aims of both Basingstoke and Hampshire Councils in supporting active travel and to make adequate provision for both local and visiting cyclists, and to show that it supports bringing trade and tourism to the town.
Whitchurch needs Town Centre Cycle Parking.

Bicycles adding colour to the streets

The wonderful team of volunteers from Whitchurch in Bloom, led by Kathy Hardy and Caroline Wells, have continued in their quest to add colour to the town's street scene, this time using the Bicycle.

Decorated cycles
Whitchurch in Bloom have started to add themed decorated cycles to the town centre. 

First was a February 14th Valentine's Day special, painted in loveable pink and adorned with roses and hearts. 

It turned a few eyes.

Now they have created a March 17th St Patrick's Day wheeler, finished in Irish Green with shamrocks. 

Brightening the town
The team have also been locating planters and baskets around the town in an aim to brighten the streets, generate pride in the town, build a sense of community and to make a challenge in the Britain in Bloom competition.

They have been out planting bulbs, weeding streets, laying wood chippings, collecting rubbish and fundraising through quizzes – and have lovingly been called Whitchurch's "Nutty Heroes".

In 2022 their work achieved 'Silver Gilt' recognition in the Small Town category, and were just two points away from gold.

With the help of the bicycles they may achieve that honour.
They certainly deserve it.

Fundraising
Whitchurch in Bloom are currently running a fundraising campaign to purchase new planters and flowers for 2023.

Their page is here:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/whitchurch-in-bloom-spring-summer-2023

Whitchurch in Bloom
Adding colour to the town.

Pedalling for the Sheep Fair

It is just 8 weeks to a lovely event to support the Overton Sheep Fair – the Popham Pedal in which anyone can take part.

It is being held on Sunday 14th May 2023

The Popham Pedal is a on-road cycling event over a choice of three signposted and marshalled routes around the scenic Hampshire countryside and will be raising funds for the Sheep Fair.

The Overton Sheep Fair has become one of the area's most notable and enjoyable events. The current format was introduced in 2000 to mark the Millennium as Overton had held sheep fairs from medieval times until the early 20th century.

Held every four years it provides a wealth of exciting activities with music, a fairground, procession, market stalls and exhibitions. The whole family is catered for.

The next Sheep Fair is on the 20th – 21st July 2024.

The cycle rides all start at Popham Airfield with a choice of an easy 15-mile, a moderate 40-mile and a challenging 60-mile route. There is a refreshment stop half-way, and mechanical support will be available.

Details and entry form are here:
POPHAM PEDAL

Dangers at Mill Springs

Mill Springs on the edge of Whitchurch is in the news again as a young cyclist lost control which nearly resulted in her suffering a serious injury.

The quality of work has often been criticised with the latest concerning the granite setts that have been installed into the roads at various points around the development.

At a minimum there should be a filling between the setts or cycle wheels can fall into the gaps that can result in a fall.

It is another example of planning and construction that fails to recognise the safety needs of those who cycle.

Hopefully the failure to build a safe surface that is suitable for all road users will be addressed before someone is seriously hurt.

Reporting defects
Whitchurch is also suffering a large number of potholes and broken road surfaces which can result in a loss of control leading to injury or worse. 
These should be reported to Hampshire County Council.

REPORTING HIGHWAY PROBLEMS

Dangerous surface for cycling.

Cycling increases trade for businesses

Parking for drivers to access shops and business has always been an ‘issue’ in Whitchurch.

Recent proposals to introduce charging at the car parks have become a hot potato as it was claimed it would affect trade for local businesses.

This raises an interesting question over the Town Council's removal of the new cycle parking from the town centre, led mainly by a small number of businesses.
So what exactly is best for trade?

The Department for Transport has published a research document on this subject – the ‘Value of Cycling’ in conjunction with Birmingham University.
Key Headline findings include a section on ‘Local Economic Benefits’.

This section includes:

• Cyclists visit local shops more regularly, spending more than users of most other modes of transport; 
• Per square metre, cycle parking delivers 5 times higher retail spend than the same area of car parking; 
• A compact town optimised for walking and cycling can have a “retail density” (spend per square metre) 2.5 times higher than a typical urban centre. 

Forward looking towns embrace this concept to increase their prosperity.

Importantly the Department for Transport document also includes the following:

“…reports show adding facilities such as bicycle racks and bicycle lanes can actually increase economic activity, and also help create a buffer from moving traffic that aids both pedestrian and bicyclist activity.” 

Can a lively vibrancy and economic buzz in Whitchurch town centre be created?

A group of visiting cyclists choose the Silk Mill for refreshments with its convenient cycle parking.

Tranquil Nun's Walk to become a Rat run?

MILL SPRINGS WHITCHURCH – Effect on Countryside access

The tranquil single track Nun’s Walk country lane is one of the most popular routes for cyclists who as individuals, families and groups use it to access the lovely countryside and the valley of the River Test south west of Whitchurch.
It is at threat of being overrun with motor vehicles, increasing danger for all, and destroying the tranquility of a beautiful area of our countryside.

Nun’s Walk – a narrow, pleasant green lane

The narrow rural lane is a direct access to Sustrans National Cycle Route NCN246, was part of the Jubilee Cycle Trail introduced this year and is regularly used by both cycle events and cycling groups to visit the town bringing trade and custom.

It is also a popular walking link to local footpaths joining with the Test Way and towards Longparish and used by local farm vehicles.

The new cycle route to Nun’s Walk

Safe access under threat
The importance of this single track road was recognised by this year’s welcome construction of a new cycle path link by Hampshire County Council to make access safer for walking and cycling between Whitchurch and the River Test and surrounding area.

Improvements were also made to ease access through the dangerous A34 slip roads. was that superfluous? The safety implications at the Tufton junction are now very concerning as many more vehicles will be turning into Nun’s Walk towards Tufton/Hurstbourne Priors/Longparish. The potential for serious collisions has multiplied massively.

200+ houses
Yet that safety is now under serious threat of being compromised by a proposal to build a further 200+ houses and associated facilities at Mill Springs on the southern edge of Whitchurch, right where that new cycle route starts.

A Dangerous Rat Run
Approval of this application would encourage Nun’s Walk and Tufton to become a drivers’ rat run through to Andover and the B3400.

It would become the shortest route and reduce the distance by nearly a mile as Mill Springs homeowners will be seeking avoid the already heavily congested and restricted Whitchurch town centre.

There are no plans in the application deal with the traffic generation on this narrow rural lane.

• To the motorist using Nun’s Walk would be a no-brainer – shorter, cheaper on fuel, faster, with no school runs, HGVs, refuse collections, supermarket lorries or buses to contend with. And it misses the notorious Micheldever Road junction and the clogged roundabout.
  
  
• To those cycling, walking, riding horses or who live and work in the countryside, it will mean suffering increased danger, pollution, speeding drivers, noise and road damage.

Single track lane

Increased traffic
In addition, a new medical facility is also proposed on the land which will also encourage use of Nun’s Walk from the surrounding areas, further increasing pressure on this narrow green lane. Meanwhile villages such as Longparish are also likely to affected as drivers use it as a shortcut to access the A303 to avoid the Bullington interchange.

Local Council representations
Longparish and Hurstbourne views:
It is notable and pleasing that both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors Parish Councils have lodged official objections both citing the effect the detrimental proposals would have on Nun’s Walk.
Whitchurch views:
Whitchurch Town Council‘s Development Committee took a decision not to object although it is not a preferred site in the local Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan which was adopted by a 93% in favour Referendum also supports ‘Access to the River Test’ which Nun’s Walk provides so this view is bewildering.

However there is still the opportunity to raise these issues with the planners as the ultimate decisions are made by Basingstoke and Deane.

Do we want Nun’s Walk and this access to the Test to be overrun by traffic?

PLEASE OBJECT
The application (ref: 22/03219/FUL) can be seen here and comments should be registered with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:


https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RM5MFRCR0AQ00&activeTab=summary

Next stage
The planning application now rests with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
This proposal in its current form will adversely affect the safety, enjoyment and biodiversity of a large area of beautiful sensitive Hampshire countryside.
Let them know how you feel and let’s hope they make the right decision – and reject this application.

The River Test, off Nun’s Walk

The Cake Stop lives on

It is a rare person who goes for a bicycle ride and does not also want some tea, coffee and cake. From the turn of the first ever bicycle pedals cake has been as essential as air in the tyres.

Whether your choice is a Victoria sponge, a flapjack, or a slab of bread pudding, a stop for a cake and a good natter can be the highlight of the day.

As more discover the health, environmental, and cost benefits of the bicycle more are exploring the countryside and seek out the cycle friendly cafés who cater for the needs of the wheeler.

That need for a café stop continues
Today, the large ‘club runs’, once a tradition of the cycling club world who shared enormous pots of tea, are less prevalent. Such traditional club runs still exist but with changes in lifestyles, road conditions and other commitments, groups tend to be smaller. However, that essential base requirement remains – cake although espressos and americanos have become more popular. The cyclists’ café stop lives on.

The very best cafés have always tended to be some of the cycling world’s best kept secrets shared by word of mouth, but with web/app access they are becoming more well-known.

In Whitchurch…

There is an excellent reference resource created by cyclists which lists recommended cafés including a map. Whitchurch has two entries – The Silk Mill and Kudos.

The Silk Mill is very popular with groups, has bicycle racks, a friendly policy towards bringing bikes into the grounds, and is a cyclist Refill Station. Kudos, in the town centre is an independent coffee shop serving quality coffees and cakes and is very popular with smaller groups.
Whitchurch also has three pubs in the centre and convenience stores that can also provide refreshments.

The Cycle Coffee & Cake Stops Map can be seen here:
https://cafes.cyclingmaps.net

Value of Town Centre Cycle Parking

  Whitchurch Town Council removed the ‘new’ town centre cycle parking earlier this year as it was deemed to restrict access to some businesses – amongst the reasons it was claimed that it prevented them using the pavements to park on for loading/unloading.

The result is as expected – those visiting town by cycle are again using shop windows, bollards, street signs and drainpipes to lean their cycles against.
This can justifiably upset some people.

Survey
The Town Council ran a survey to seek where parking was required with a number of respondees wanting parking in the town centre close to where they were visiting. However Councillors decided cycle parking should go elsewhere with the racks being moved to locations away from the town centre – in locations totally useless for using the shops or businesses.

But cycling is good for trade
There are numerous studies that have shown provision of such facilities increases trade and they have made themselves into planning policies including those adopted by National Government, County and Borough Councils. Unfortunately Whitchurch lags behind and the town centre with its car congested roads along with pavement parking is seen by some as making it unattractive to visit.
See:
PARKING VALUE and ECONOMICS

Missing the point
Some believe that painting some of the buildings, or smartening the town street furniture with black and gold paint will revitalise the centre into a tourist hotspot. These are in themselves admirable aims but they will not address one of the main underlying blights – that too many unnecessary motor journeys clog the town with motor traffic, increase dangers, raise air pollution, damage the infrastructure and create an unpleasant experience.
At least giving some support to other means of travel would help as has been proven in other localities.

Meanwhile the Urban Cycling group has produced the following image.
It seems to be very pertinent to the situation in Whitchurch in order to support trade and business owners.

20-Minute Neighbourhoods and Whitchurch

Whitchurch is under immense pressure from developers keen to build houses, houses, houses. The town has a Neighbourhood Plan Group that is actively and rightly challenging the government’s numbers but there is one issue that also needs progression – the physical design and layouts of developments and how they cater for and affect local areas and their residents. That becomes a national planning subject.

Developers lining up
In Whitchurch developers are lining up for building at Mill Springs, Bere Hill, Hillside/The Gables and north of the Railway. And that is before the estates at Evingar Road and Owlsa Park/Watership Place are anywhere near completion. Developers have one aim of making money which too often means local needs are pushed down their priorities and they build what they say is popular, rather than what is best for a local community.

Catalogues for profits
Thus developments are to formulaic catalogue style layouts that fail to address the biggest issues over infrastructure, local services, travel needs and liveability. Profits for developers, landowners and shareholders come first above whether Adie can reach a chemist or Jim can get to school.

Come in the 20minute Neighbourhood – PEOPLE FIRST

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) describes them as:

“…a model of urban development that creates neighbourhoods where daily services can be accessed within a 20 minute walk. The aim of such neighbourhoods is to regenerate urban centres, enhance social cohesion, improving health outcomes and support the move towards carbon net-zero targets through reducing unsustainable travel.”

Complying with such planning principles should be part of all developments. Sustrans, the national sustainable travel charity makes an excellent assessment of the 20-minute Neighbourhood stating that the minimum features should revolve around three main areas:


Destination and services

• Food retailers and supermarkets
• Education, including early years, primary school and nearby secondary schools
• Health services, such as a pharmacy, GP and dentist
• Financial services, such as post office or bank
• Employment and jobs either within the neighbourhood or nearby
• Public open space, such as parks and recreation grounds
• Entertainment, such as leisure, culture and entertainment facilities.

Transport provision

• Public transport, including access to a regular bus, tram or train service
• Walking and cycling infrastructure
• Walkable access to a local centre
• Designed for low speeds, reduced traffic, and limited car parking.

Inclusivity

• A mix of diverse housing types to suit different life-stages
• Genuinely affordable and social housing present.

PLANNERS SHOULD ADOPT SUCH PRINCIPLES FOR WHITCHURCH
Not to do so could lead to the rural town being an anonymous characterless suburbia, dominated by traffic and a lack of local services.
PEOPLE SHOULD COME FIRST

Sustrans:
SUSTRANS – 20-minute Neighbourhoods

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan Update

 

Just a very brief update:
As with all plans and consultations this is no different – it takes a long long time. These are being produced throughout the area and the Basingstoke and Deane plan is towards the end of the programme.

These LCWIPs,
Set out a recommended approach to planning networks of walking zones and cycling routes that connect places that people want to get to, whether for work, education, shopping or for other reasons.

The latest batch of six have just been released for Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest District (Waterside) and Test Valley Borough (South) and early feedback from other campaign groups is that they seem to have addressed some of the issues raised in the consultations, but ignored others.

That’s the way consultations go, and we await both the Basingstoke Plan which covers Whitchurch, and the adjacent Test Valley (North) Plan with much anticipation.
It is expected that comments at that time will be requested.

Full details of all the LCWIPs are here:
TRANSPORT STRATEGIES

Transport Survey 2022

 

The Hampshire Countryside Service is calling for participation in the National Transport and Highways Survey 2022 and in particular the section relating Public Rights of Way for Walking and Cycling.

They say:
“There are eight short independent surveys in total – the Countryside Service would really like to hear your views on the Walking and Cycling survey as it includes questions regarding the quality and maintenance of Public Rights of Way and their importance.”

Councils across the UK are asking residents to tell them what they think of highways and transport services in their area. The results will help the County Council measure its performance and identify areas for improvement.

Cycle Whitchurch supports completion of this Survey also encourages the other sections should be completed if time permits, although it should only take a few minutes.

The Survey can be found here:
National Transport and Highways Survey 2022

E-Bike Charging Points for Whitchurch?

Whitchurch has been asked to consider electric charging points for cycles due to the increase in cyclists visiting the area.

E-bike growth
The growth of electric cycle or e-bike use is an exciting development in the world of sustainable travel where climate change is such a concern. The sales of electric cycles* has dramatically increased over recent years as more people see their advantages, ranging from leisure and utility uses to economic and health benefits.

Whether for a trip into town, a ride to work or exploring our local bridleways and countryside, they can open up a world of independence and fun, while being ‘green’ and supporting the environment. They can support people with mobility/strength problems, assist the elderly to obtain exercise, help office workers arrive fresh and unsweaty, and get you up that hill to the station!

Electric bikes have certainly arrived and they are here to stay.

Electric cycles now outsell cars globally and in China there are even now more e-bikes than cars on the roads. In Europe Germany is leading the way, while in the UK the market is growing by the day. Neither do you have to buy a full bike as there are now many e-bike kits you can fit to an existing bike.

Supporting the e-bike
Meanwhile vast sums are spent by Councils and public bodies for the motorist, so what infrastructure and support can be provided for this expanding and much more environmentally friendly mode of transport?

Charging options
Most e-bikes are charged at home, but many businesses such as cafés will also allow users to quickly top up batteries in just as they allow laptop use or phone charging. Of course buying a coffee and cake while waiting brings trade to the business too.

There are other options too.
One company that has looked at electric charging points is Bosch who in 2018 introduced a ‘PowerStations’ network in certain tourist areas. These consist of secured indoor lockers where batteries could be left to charge.

Others have followed suit with more easily accessible outdoor e-bike charging stations often being installed as part of cycle parking facilities and sometimes linked with repair stands incorporating pumps and sometimes basic tools. However these need to be visible and accessible such as in shopping areas or outside public buildings. If they are hidden away as afterthoughts or located in car parks or service areas they won’t be used.

Will Whitchurch recognise the benefits of supporting the e-bike, its users, and the environmental and economic benefits?
We shall see.

* note that ‘electric cycles’ or ‘e-bikes’ here refers to the legal ones for use in the UK which are pedal assist where the power is only of assistance when the cycle is being actively pedalled and also where the power is shut off at 15.5mph. Other countries have different regulations.

There is a mass of excellent information and advice here:
https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycling-advice/type-cycling/e-bikes