FOOTPATH UPGRADE CONFIRMED

The Rishton Councillors have allocated £6,000 to bring the footpath connecting St Albans Road and Shawbrook Close up to adoption standard and thus keep it in a well-maintained state under the care of LCC. Currently, the path is in a state of considerable disrepair and has attracted many complaints from people who are now finding it difficult to push prams and wheelchairs along the pitted surface. An A-frame will also be fitted to the entrance of the path to prevent horseriders from riding through as this has worsened the damage over recent years and the grassed area is now churned up to the extent that it cannot be played on.

The A-frames were originally to be installed two years ago following complaints from local residents regarding a series of incidents but the decision was revoked by the Rishton Councillors following objections from the equestrian community, with a promise being made not to install the frames on the proviso that riders took more care in residential areas. This eased the situation for some time but over the past 12 months the number of incidents of irresponsible riding has increased again and so the frames will now be installed. The frames allow pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs through but force bike riders to dismount in order to reduce their speed.

Work is expected to begin very soon.