Chesterfield council agrees 'in principle' to major new cycle route despite 'lack of opportunity to comment'

Coun Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said she will raise her ‘concerns’ directly with Derbyshire County Council (DCC) but described the proposal as ‘a once in a generation opportunity’.

County Hall has released details about its plan to improve walking and cycling access to workplaces and schools in the town, and is currently holding a public consultation.

The route will go from the A619 junction with Holymoor Road, along Chatsworth Road and the existing Hipper Valley Trail, through Queen’s Park, and to the hospital by using Crow Lane and Wetlands Lane.

Coun Serjeant said: “The investment supports the borough council’s own aims to address the climate change challenge by reducing carbon emissions, encouraging more people to walk and cycle and reducing the use of the car.

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“This is a once in a generation opportunity to provide a strategic link from the east to the west of our borough, linking schools, workplaces, the town centre and the hospital. We recognise the importance of working together to make sure we get it right.

“While I welcome this in principle, with this in mind, I will be raising my concerns direct with Derbyshire County Council about the apparent lack of opportunity to comment on alternative solutions which may be preferable, safer and more convenient, and also about the length of time which has been allowed for local communities to engage with and comment on the proposals.”

A DCC spokesperson said: “We’re holding a public consultation to give people the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

“All comments received will be considered as part of the consultation and we would encourage as many people as possible to share their views online at https://chesterfieldcycleroute.commonplace.is/ by 25 March 2021.”

Alastair Meikle, secretary of the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign, said under the strict funding criteria of the Emergency Active Travel Fund the route had to be ‘urban’ and that is why Chatsworth Road was included.

Describing it as a ‘step change for cycle infrastructure in Chesterfield’, he welcomed the inclusion of a 30mph speed limit on Chatsworth Road and a segregated two-way cycle path.

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