AN ‘AMBITIOUS and exciting’ project to connect Evesham to Stratford through active travel routes is being held up by bureaucracy, a Wychavon district councillor has claimed.
Craig Reeves, representative for Harvington and Norton, has said the Two Shires Greenway project, which mainly utilises old railway lines to connect communities through cycling and walking, has stalled pending legal agreements and construction approvals.
The idea, first conceived in 2017, has the backing of Wychavon, MP Chris Bloore, landowners, parish councils, and members of the public, but needs Worcestershire County Council (WCC) backing to become a reality.
At county level, bridle ways and re-routing of rights of way are essential to making the project happen.
The Two Shires Greenway aims to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce car use, and locally would link Evesham with Harvington and The Valley at Twyford through a track called Common Road, which passes under the Simon de Montfort Bridge (A46 bypass).
Councillor Reeves said: “We want to connect villages, connect communities away from the road, traffic and congestion. It’s ambitious and exciting, and could be partially funded through developer Section 106 contributions, which are already set aside for this.
“It’s a no-brainer. The crux of it is that between Harvington, Norton and Evesham there is £250,000 earmarked for this project.
“WCC’s involvement is critical to allow the project to happen, yet in the grand scheme of things, it has the least involvement.”
WCC, however, states the project is not listed in its current active travel plans and therefore, ‘is not a priority’, although it acknowledges the longstanding interest in the project and recognises the value it could bring to the wider region.
A spokesperson said: “At present, the Greenway is not identified as a priority within the county council’s active travel programme due to its absence from key strategic frameworks, including the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4), the Evesham Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), and its limited alignment with criteria set out by Active Travel England.”
In response, Coun Reeves told the Observer: “Whilst the stance from WCC is that the Greenway project does not reside within the shortlist area of the LCWIP, the proposed greenway is within the area of interest.
“It’s important to recognise that this route is not just an active travel route, it’s a leisure offering. We need WCC action to get this long-overdue project underway.
“In essence, if this project is not greenlit, then the money allocated for it will be lost and Evesham, Harvington and Norton, and The Valley will all lose out.”
Earmarked Section 106 funds for the project are at risk because of local government reorganisation approaching. If the project gets the go-ahead, it will be managed by Wychavon, parish councils, and the Two Shires Greenway Project.
On a recent visit to the area, Redditch MP Chris Bloore said: “The Greenway is a visionary project that could transform access and wellbeing in our villages. It would offer residents a safe and sustainable way to travel while reducing pressure on already-strained rural roads.
“I’ll continue to support Coun Reeves and local communities to help secure the necessary funding and push the project forward.”
WCC has said it remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to explore opportunities that support sustainable travel across the county and will continue to review and update its priorities as strategic plans evolve.
