Barrack Wood, Brentwood – Cycle Path Creation (007389)

This project is to introduce a new, one kilometre path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This path would link a new housing development in Brentwood to nearby Thorndon Country Park. At the moment, there is very limited access to the Park, as it is surrounded on all sides by main roads, and the Park is not served by public transport. This means that most Park visitors end up driving and putting pressure on the already overcrowded car parks and roads. Currently, for cyclists to access the Park from this direction, they need to ride along a 60mph road, cross a major junction, and then turn right into the entrance just before a blind bend that means oncoming drivers cannot see them until the last second. This is risky for competent cyclists, but highly inadvisable for novices, young children, or those with disabilities who are riding adapted tricycles. The new vehicle-free path will pass through a beautiful section of woodland and will have a surface that is navigable year-round by all users.