Reader's Letter: Dangerous path needs attention

Opposite the south entrance to Alderley Park in Nether Alderley is a designated shared use path, intended for use by pedestrians and cyclists. It runs beside the busy A34 where vehicles can legally travel up to a speed of 50mph.

A significant section of this path has been unsafe to use for several years because of the very overgrown boundary hedge and a thick mat of weeds and debris.

Concerned about the safety of path users, I made my first complaint to Cheshire East Highways Dept. in June 2021. Since then, I have continued to write to them alerting the authority that it remains a dangerous path. I have been told that it is not regarded as dangerous, even when I made an official appeal about their initial decision.

In October 2022, a Senior Highways Officer wrote to tell me that "Congleton Road is inspected twelve times per year as part of our scheduled safety inspection programme" so it seems that, since my first complaint, it has now been passed as a safe route on 29 occasions!

Do readers agree that this cannot be classified as acceptable? My most recent messages to CEC, with updates photos (these taken on 22nd November 2023), have not been even acknowledged.

What should I do next?

Helen Battilana

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Bob Bracegirdle
Wednesday 29th November 2023 at 3:52 pm
Clearly unsuitable for pedestrians as blocked by the vegetation. Someone is calling black white.
Terence Burgess
Thursday 30th November 2023 at 9:37 am
I would contact Esther McVey about this matter
It is clearly not wide enough for any pedestrians and cyclists to use, given that it's a shared path.
Laurie Atterbury
Thursday 30th November 2023 at 12:15 pm
Who owns the hedge? Surely, they're responsible for ensuring that it does not obstruct the footpath? The council could cut it back and send a bill to the owners.
Simon Rodrigues
Thursday 30th November 2023 at 7:24 pm
Whole of cheshire east is a problem you would be shocked to see how much debt the council are in but all the ones at the top on good wages. Someone needs to be accountable for this mess and lack of leadership.