Village Mom Wins Safe Footpath After 5 Years

0:00A village mom in North Lecestershire just hit a big win after five years of pushing for a safe footpath. Jockey beard from Worthington fought to link her spot to Ashby, three miles south because the main roads too fast and risky with no sidewalks. Lecestershire County Council now plans a public consultation in May to add the route as an official right of way. This all kicked off during the COVID pandemic when her son Harry needed a way to bike to school and exams, but buses stopped and roads got dicey. She spotted an old rail line path north of the village, tying into the 13 mile cloud trail on the National Cycle Network, which follows a track. Shut down back in 1982. Locals cheer the news, saying villages turned from quiet lanes to busy highways, leaving folks stuck without off-road options. Jockey gathered witness statements, proved heavy foot traffic and even hacks back brambles herself to keep it open. Using a legal tool called A, definitive map modification order.

1:01Councilfuls confirm they're ready to approve most of the route after sorting landowner issues and getting sign-off from the Secretary of State. It's the first step of three to fully connect the communities, but upgrading to a bridal way for bikes could take years more. Jockey's calling on the government to streamline these ancient rules for easier paths that cut car use, boost health, and help rural spots. Officials say no big changes yet, but they're pumping 626 million pounds into local walking and cycling projects over four years. This has been Lester News Today, powered by AI.