Date: 19 September 2007

Carriageway Rides Again

Conservative Action Team Transforms Footpath

The Conservative community action team and local residents this week transformed the former carriageway that runs from Wettenall Drive to Hillside Drive on the Wallbridge estate in Leek. Years of debris and vegetation have been removed to create an obstacle free, even surface and more inviting recreational space.  The carriageway provided an access route to Westwood Hall before the development of the Wallbridge estate.

Project Co-ordinator, Cllr. John Povey said:

“The carriageway is completely unrecognisable from its former state.  Over a hundred tonnes of material was removed over the course of the weekend. Staffordshire Pink gravel has been used to complement the natural sandstone providing a durable surface that will not degrade with horse riders using the path.

I am grateful that SMDC allowed the team to carry out the work and for their financial support towards materials. I am confident that as more people discover the “new” carriageway its usage will rise considerably.”

The team hope to be able to continue the project with a durable path right through to Hillside Drive. 

John added:

“We are also in discussion with Woodcroft First School to determine if the school grounds can be linked to the path.”

Ward Councillor Ben Emery said:

“It was hard work clearing the path but enjoyable knowing that the end result would be beneficial to so many.  The wooded aspect of the path provides a pleasant walk and is traffic free unlike the busy Wallbridge Drive.  It was pleasing to see several residents prepared to volunteer and deliver this result.”

Karen Bradley, the Conservative Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate said:

“Once again, the Leek Conservative Action Team rose to the occasion and, over the course of one weekend, worked hard to transform the cariageway.  It is unrecognisable from what was there just one week ago.

“We are always on the look out for other projects – not just footpaths – that we can work on.  Other Action Teams around the country have painted youth clubs, refurbished church halls and cleaned graffiti.  Please contact me on 01538 382393 or e-mail staffsmoorlands@tory.org if you have any suggestions.”