Plans to reopen public path left overgrown for almost 20 years

Thursday 14 September 2023

The Parish of St. Saviour has submitted a planning application to rejuvenate a public footpath, which was left overgrown and unusable for almost 20 years, as part of a £750k push to better connect the countryside.

The plans, submitted by Castletree Architectural Services on behalf of the Parish, concern a footpath which connects Rue à la Dame with Mont Sohier.

The "very old" path appears on maps from the late-1700s, with its "status as a public way" formally acknowledged in 1899.

The planning application explains that "although the path was used by parishioners until about 2005, it has since become overgrown".

Last year, the Roads Committee resolved to reopen the path to "provide a readily accessible alternative route for pedestrians walking to Grands Vaux from Mont Sohier avoiding Rue à la Dame".

Rue à la Dame is described as "a busy road and potentially dangerous for walkers as it is steep and narrow and has no pavements".

The proposed renovation of the path will form part of the Countryside Access and Wellbeing project which was announced last year with the aim of creating a range of new or repurposed paths, using £750,000 allocated from the Covid-19 Health and Social Recovery Fund.

Constable of St. Saviour, Kevin Lewis said that the Parish is "extremely grateful to have obtained funding from the Countryside Access and Wellbeing scheme to carry out the necessary works in order to reopen this historic mill path to the public".

Pictured: "Our Parish stands to benefit greatly from the reopening of this path," said Constable of St. Saviour, Kevin Lewis.

He added: "The availability of diverse walking routes contributes immensely to the overall well-being of our community. This path, with its rich historical significance, not only adds to the allure of our natural landscape but also offers an opportunity for us to connect with our heritage.

"The commitment to preserving and revitalising this path aligns seamlessly with my dedication to enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of our local amenities."

Constable Lewis continued: "Our Parish stands to benefit greatly from the reopening of this path. It beckons us to step out, breathe in the fresh air, and explore the serene beauty that lies within our surroundings. By embracing this initiative, we are fostering a sense of unity, pride, and shared experience among our residents.

"I urge all concerned parties to support this planning application, recognising the lasting positive impact it will have on our community. Let us continue to nurture our connection to the land and its history, and ensure that future generations can relish the charm and significance of the Rue a la Dame mill path."

The full planning application can be viewed online.