Opponents of Buckinghamshire County Council’s plan to move the footpath in Marlow’s steep-sided Happy Valley are delighted that the council has abandoned the idea, due to the large number of objections.
The council was proposing to shift the path, which runs along the bottom of the valley, to an inferior route along the steep slope. The Ramblers and the Open Spaces Society were among the objectors.
Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers Trustee and general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, comments: ‘We are pleased that the council has seen sense. The proposed diversion around the edge of the field is very steep, so that walkers would be on a dangerous slope. If the path were then to be fenced in it would be even more dangerous. One walker has described it as “gruesome, even with my stick”.
"The problem is that the existing route along the valley floor has not been properly maintained. It has been fenced to a narrow width, with barbed wire on both sides and a sticky clay soil underfoot. Rather than trying to move this path, the council needs to carry out its duty to ensure that the public can enjoy it safely. It should secure a good, level surface, removal of the barbed wire and, if possible, an increase in the width.
"This is an important and popular route in a beautiful area. Being so close to Marlow, on the south-western edge of the town, it is used by local people as well as visitors.
"The path was originally a field-edge path, but the farmer removed the hedge and fenced it in, changing its character for the worse. It needs to be restored to its former quality."
She adds: "Now that the diversion plans have been dropped, the council should concentrate on restoring this route for the public. We are willing to argue to councillors that this would be money well spent."
