The last greenway walk attracted some 50 members of the public. Here on Linton Road bridge over the railway.
Take the greenway route to the Conquest
Next Saturday, 11 March, Hastings Greenway Group is holding another walk along the proposed greenway route, from Alexandra Park to Conquest Hospital. A possible breakthrough has been made with East Sussex County Council agreeing to meet the group. Nick Terdre reports. Photos by Tony Polain.
The last walk, alongside the rail corridor through the town centre in late February, attracted some 50 participants, well above expectation, according to Tony Polain, co-chairman of Hastings Greenway Group.
HGG co-chairman Tim Jemison explains a point or two to the assembled throng.
“Some of the existing Greenway is actually on this route, so it was interesting to show the contrast between what can be achieved and the dangerous on-road bits in between,” he told HOT.
“Not only do these walks inform the public of the benefits of the Greenway, it also introduces them to parts of Hastings that they never knew existed.”
Central to the greenway concept is the provision of safe routes for walkers and cyclists to get around town. But parts of the walker and cyclist route through Hastings denominated by East Sussex County Council includes stretches along busy roads which in the view of HGG are entirely unsuitable.
Meeting arranged with ESCC
Having rebuffed many approaches from the group, the county council has finally agreed to send two officers to meet them – this will take place on 27 March when they will discuss the Ore Valley part of the route. Two representatives from Hastings Borough Council, leader Cllr Peter Chowney and an officer, will also attend.
An overgrown sign from days of yore publicising Hastings Greenway project as part of the town’s regeneration programme. HGG now wants to see the project through to fulfilment.
The walk from Alexandra Park to the Conquest will be led by HGG committee member Mike Riley, who is also a member of the Rother Ramblers. It will illustrate the divergence between HGG and ESCC on routes. On leaving the park, ESCC’s route goes up Parkstone Road and Hillside Road to The Ridge. In HGG’s view, the junction of Hillside Road and The Ridge is a dangerous section of road which is also a bus route.
By contrast, HGG takes a largely off-road route through the wooded area of Old Roar Gill , and after crossing Little Ridge Avenue continues by footpath to the rear of the Conquest.
Both sections will be walked – it’s a overall distance of about three miles – giving participants the chance to make up their own mind which they prefer.
The walk will take place on Saturday 11 March, starting at 1.30pm from Harmer’s lay-by where Lower Park Road meets Upper Park Road. Participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear, as the off-road sections may be muddy and slippery.
Hastings Greenway Group website and Facebook page. The group can be contacted at <info@hastingsgreenway.org>.
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9 Comments
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Not sure just how much of the upper old roar valley is ‘navigable’ these days so I would suggest someone has a machete with them. Potentially they valley route could lead all the way north to the old roar (waterfall) itself and thence to old roar road and then another public footpath through to the little ridge estate. Alternatively walk a couple of hundred metres to the east and through my garden (129ORR) i.e following the valley itself and you will come out almost at the hospital. Potentially it would be possible to construct a route all the way up the valley and into the hospital grounds.
Comment by ken davis — Thursday, Mar 9, 2017 @ 19:20
Every penny spent on pedestrian and cycle pathways makes economic sense.
The money spent now will allow future generations to benefit as well as us.
Comment by Mike |Lushington — Thursday, Mar 9, 2017 @ 12:26
Agree with all the above. I also hope however that Hastings Borough will follow through on its reiterated generalised commitments to Greenways by negotiating with prospective developers an adequately navigable route for the core central section of the Greenway through the Station Plaza area.
Comment by Chris Lewcock — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 20:43
Thanks to Hastings Online Times for covering this. This is part of a network of proposed shared cycle, walking and disabled buggy routes across Hastings. If East Sussex County Council spend the money they have in a wise way to create off road routes then this will encourage people to get away from motorised transport, be greener and healthier. On road routes should be avoided where possible as they are not so safe and are unlikely to be used. Some of the routes proposed by Hastings Greenway Group also serve some of the poorest areas of Hastings where they ae most needed. Come on ESCC and create these routes for the people of Hastings after all you have Government money to do so.
Comment by Steve Foreman — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 16:53
The Greenway project is a no-brainier of A win-win situation for the whole community.
ESCC members should come and participate on the walks and then try to explain and justify their alternative proposals for putting cycle lanes along dangerous, busy roads!
Greenway routes enjoy great success in several towns in the UK and across Europe.
Comment by Laurence — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 15:27
This is part of a network of routes that could help us all get out of our cars, becoming healthier as a result, you also get a chance to discover some hidden bits of Hastings!
Comment by Julia Hilton — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 11:58
I certainly hope that ESCC will come to their senses and work with the local groups to realise these routes that are much better than the ones they themselves recommend. For health, cost, safety, convenience, pleasure and many other reasons, the routes put forward by the Greenway Group far exceed the ESCC proposals.
Comment by Becky Polain — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 11:58
Excellent article.
Thank you Hastings Online Times for your coverage.
Please contact us for any further information
Comment by Hastings Greenway Group — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 11:43
ESCC needs to take responsibility for providing decent infrastructure. Please come along to this walk and help show the local support for proper routes.
Facebook event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/936242056479593/
Comment by Tim — Wednesday, Mar 8, 2017 @ 10:34