Work on Halfpenny Bridge, Ram Hill

As part of the electrification works, Network Rail are extending the parapets on Halfpenny Bridge, Ram Hill to 1.85m to prevent access to the new electric power cables when they are installed. As the bridge is narrow, they will have to close the footpath to the general public while works are being undertaken, but most of the works will happen at night. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the bridge as normal when no works are being undertaken.

Work will take place between 22.00hrs and 08.00hrs on the following dates:

Weekend nights in April - 9th, 16th, 23rd
Midweek nights in April - 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
Weekend nights in May - 7th, 14th, 21st, 22nd

They will do everything possible to minimise the impact on neighbours. For more information contact Toby Elliott, Public Affairs Manager at toby.elliott@networkrail.co.uk or 07734 648 408 or Claire McGine, Communications Manager at claire.mcgine@networkrail.co.uk or 07734 647 240.

Paths to close for crossing works

The bridle way between Broad Lane and Dodmore Crossing in Westerleigh and the path that links in to this from Westerleigh Road, between The Bungalow and The Old Stores, will be temporarily closed so that level crossing works can be carried out. The closure order will be in place for 6 months from the 21st September 2015 but it's anticipated the works will take seven weeks during that time. The alternative route is to go down Broad Lane to Westerleigh Road and then along Westerleigh Road up to Dodmore Crossing.

New public rights of way needed?

Natural England are running a 2 year funding scheme called Paths for Communities (P4C). From their website:

The aim of P4C is to encourage and support local communities to work with land owners to make improvements to the network of Public Rights of Way. In all cases P4C projects must include some element of new Public Right of Way creation. In most cases projects will include an element of new Bridleway creation but projects that include Footpath creation alone will also be considered where community and economic benefit can be demonstrated.

You can find out more on the Natural England website.

Fanatical about footpaths?

The Joint Local Access Forum for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire (the JLAF) is looking for new recruits. The JLAF is a statutory body established by the three councils, to provide advice on improving public access to land in the area for the purposes of open-air recreation and enjoyment. They are seeking applications for membership of the JLAF from people of all ages who are enthusiastic about the rights of way network and access to the outdoors. This is an opportunity to contribute views and positive ideas on the potential of the network of paths in the area and on how to make it more accessible and enjoyable for all. For more information go to www.jlaf.org.uk - the deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 22nd June.

Find out more on local walks

There are free leaflets to download from the South Glos Council website on The Dramway, The Frome Valley Walkway and other walks throughout the area.