Cycle path link would join football grounds

An improved pedestrian and cycle link between the former Christie Park football ground and Morecambe FC’s Globe Arena could be rubberstamped by councillors.
Sainsbury's Morecambe, general viewsSainsbury's Morecambe, general views
Sainsbury's Morecambe, general views

There are plans to spend £55,000 from Sainsbury’s, which now has a supermarket on the former football ground, to provide a direct foot/cycle path from the Lancaster-Morecambe cycle path (the Greenway) to the site.

The £55,000 given by Sainsbury’s as part of a planning agreement in 2010, has to be spent by July 16, 2015, or it will have to be repaid.

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The original proposal to construct a new route across the playing fields of Lancaster Road Primary School could not be agreed so a revised proposal had to be developed. The money would be spent on the construction of a cycle path between Sainsbury’s and Greenway and then onto Bartholomew Road/Wingate Avenue.

It is proposed to improve the existing on-road cycle link between Lancaster Road and the Greenway via Christie Avenue, which in turn opens up routes to the large residential area between the cycle route and Oxcliffe Road.

This will involve improvements in the vicinity of Sainsbury’s and a link between the cycle route and Bartholomew Road to facilitate access for cyclists,, wheelchair users, and pushchairs, through improvements to the existing footpath.

A new bridge will replace the existing wooden footbridge and a wider path will enable joint use between pedestrians and cyclists, with new and improved surfacing providing much safer access.

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The new bridge will require less maintenance in the long term and as the proposal improves existing routes, there are no additional costs associated with the scheme.

Councillors will discuss the proposal, which officers said would achieve improved links to the cycle path and avoids paying back the money.

It will be discussed at the city council’s Cabinet meeting on February 17.