The expansion and widening of the Cinder Track between Burniston And Cloughton is set to be approved at a meeting this week.
A plan to resurface and widen a 2.3km stretch of the Cinder Track between Burniston and Cloughton, to enhance its value for recreational activities, has been recommended for approval.
Councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby area planning committee will meet on Thursday (April 11) to vote on the plan which has been proposed by North Yorkshire Council
If approved, the work will include laying a new flexible surface, widening the path where possible and removing or altering barriers which currently prevent some people passing through, for example, those using mobility aids or buggies and pushchairs.
The project will be carried out by the council in partnership with the charity Sustrans, thanks to a grant of £700,000 from the Department for Transport.
The proposal includes new benches, picnic tables, way finders at entry points, a multi-user logo on the surface at entry points, and bins.
The upgrade of the track would have a “well-drained surface” suitable for use by pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians, with a minimum width of 3m.
A £700,000 grant from Sustrans will fund the upgrades to the Cinder Track which currently runs between Scarborough and Whitby and forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 1 and the European North Sea Cycle Route.
Josh Molyneux, network development manager at Sustrans said:
"Local communities are already benefitting from the previous improvements to the Cinder Track, so it would be fantastic if this next phase receives approval.
"This beautiful route is a valued part of the National Cycle Network, linking communities between Whitby and Scarborough, and a popular path for visitors to walk or cycle. These improvements will allow people using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, a larger buggy or riding a horse to travel along it.
"It is part of our ambition to make the National Cycle Network paths that everyone can use."
In recent years, the former railway track has faced several challenges, including limited accessibility and durability issues with its current surface, according to a council report.
The Burniston Cinder Track serves as “a vital recreational and transport corridor” for various activities including walking, cycling, and commuting.
Both the Burniston and Cloughton parish councils raised “observations regarding the legal status of the track in respect of users, signage, bins, e-bikes, and track surface concerning horses”.
Two letters of support were received from members of the public as well as one letter of objection.
The objection raised concerns that
“the introduction of a tarmacked surface can lead to cyclists speeding”.
The British Horse Society said it welcomed and supported the widening and resurfacing of the cinder track using
“Flexi-Pave as a surface material, this will benefit all users and ensure that the track can be used during the coldest of winter months”.
According to a planning report, the Cinder Track is a “permissive footpath” that can be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders with “no plans to limit the use of any of these three types of users”.
It adds that the use of e-bikes will also be permitted and that when the works are completed “the track should be wide enough to ensure that conflicts between users will not arise”.
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