Clear the path! DfI to negotiate with land-owners for new cycle route

Sunday 25 February 2018

The Department for Infrastructre (DfI) could soon start negotiations with at least two owners of private land between Bellozanne Valley and Fern Valley in St. Helier in a bid to use strips of land to create a new pedestrian and cycle route.

Deputy Eddie Noel, the Minister for Infrastructure, wants to establish a new public pedestrian and cycle path to run from Bellozanne Valley and link up with Fern Valley.

He has authorised officers to explore a possible route using land in public ownership but officers might also be looking into the acquisition of land in private ownership. Once the route has been agreed, the Department would then have to seek planning permission.

The exact route of the potential path has yet to be defined. Meanwhile, the DfI has said they cannot give an estimate of cost at this time because officers need to talk to landowners.

The DfI has been pursuing a policy of encouraging active travel by providing facilities for walking and cycling. Last year it completed the St Peter’s Valley path (pictured), which received support from the public. It is currently working on a two-phase project to create an off road pedestrian and cycle path across the English and French harbour heads to link up Havre des Pas to the cycle path going along Victoria Avenue promenade to the railway walk.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Eddie Noel said, “I think this path would be a terrific link for people across the north west of St Helier and provide a lovely scenic route which I think will prove popular with the public.”