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SHDC is planning to improve a popular Totnes footpath

SHDC is planning to improve a popular Totnes footpath

SA Sam Acourt Updated November 17, 2021

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SHDC is planning to improve a popular Totnes footpath

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A popular Totnes footpath is set for improvement early next year, funded by South Hams District Council.

Works in Bridgetown are expected to begin in January 2022 to improve access along the Chicken Run for pedestrians. The work to be carried out by iCivils Ltd will include replacing steps with ramps or providing surfaced ramps alongside the existing steps. The funds for the work have come from the nearby Great Court Farm development.

Subject to a successful license application, the works will start on Tuesday, 4 January, 2022 and will take around four weeks to complete. During this time, parts of the path will need to close for safety reasons but a diversion route will be clearly signposted.

Before the footpath work can begin, our Grounds Maintenance team will be carrying out some essential tree works from Tuesday, 30 November.

The work includes the removal of a sycamore tree, which currently blocks the path. Minor pruning, including dead wood, of other trees to remove obstructions and hazards to walkers will be completed. Additionally, an ash tree suffering from ash dieback will be removed.

Community Interest Company, Parklife, carried out replacement tree planting in March 2021. They planted four new trees, a crab apple, rowan and two sweet chestnuts.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing Jonathan Hawkins, said: “The proposed footpath improvement works should provide real benefits for the local community, making the route easier to access for all. By making the Chicken Run pathway more accessible, it does mean we must remove the sycamore tree to allow the project to go ahead as it currently obstructs the way.

“While it is essential this work is carried out, we are mindful it must be done in a way which respects nature and causes minimum disturbance to wildlife. We are mindful of the bird-nesting season so we have scheduled works to take place outside of this. To ensure we aren’t removing trees without replacing them, we have already planted four new trees.”

Further details of the planned improvements can be found on the Council’s website at www.southhams.gov.uk/chicken-run