REPORT TO PICKMERE PARISH COUNCIL
5th October 2021
AGENDA ITEM 9.1 CONTINUED CLOSURE OF LAKESIDE PUBLIC FOOTPATH/BOARDWALK
1 REPORT
1.1 As members will know, the boardwalk (and the public right of way that it represents) running along the southern side of the lake has been formally closed for some months. Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) have sought physically to close the boardwalk but walkers continue to circumvent the locks etc that have been used, giving rise to the potential for accidents as users navigate the uneven and partial boardwalk surface. The alternative for walkers is to take an inconvenient and lengthy diversion via a public footpath to Earles Lane, along Earles Lane and then back via a second footpath down to the lakeside.
1.2 It is understood that discussions are continuing between the affected landowner and CWAC about how this public footpath route is to be provided in future, since it is understood that CWAC has taken the position that it cannot simply repair or replace the boardwalk for cost reasons. There seems no likelihood of the situation being resolved soon.
1.3 However the fact remains that the situation remains most unsatisfactory, whether because of the hazard caused by the ostensibly locked but partially accessible deteriorating boardwalk, or because of the inconvenience to the many residents both of Wincham and Pickmere, and visitors to the lake, who are minded to follow the potential diversion route.
1.4 In the circumstances, and in the knowledge of the impact of this situation on many Pickmere residents, members may feel it appropriate to write to CWAC to express your concern at the continuing lack of a resolution to this problem, and to press CWAC to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible.
2. RECOMMENDATION
2.1 That members note the situation and respond accordingly.
Jack Steel
Clerk to the Parish Council