Once again I think I should update you on the Breamore railway line path.  A year ago I thought that the path would be open by now but it is not.  I am now hoping we will be able to use the path by the spring.  The new/replacement bridge to be put over a watercourse linking to the River Avon is still not in place.  Progress is being made in negotiations with the Environment Agency.  The bridge has been purchased and the likely installers are providing additional information which may result in permission to proceed.  Approximately 10 members have participated in each of our working parties and we have recently made considerable progress clearing the route of the line to the south of the station.  We have already cleared the route north to Charford and Hampshire County Council have made some improvements to the nearby paths.  We have one more working party this year – Thursday 3rd December.  We will be meeting at 9.30am at the old Railway Station.  Additional volunteer workers are welcome.  If you would like further information about the work and think you might like to join us get in touch with me.  There will be more work to do in 2010.

Another matter of concern to me and other members of the Committee is a report that outlines a “Strategic Framework for Restoration of the River Avon System”.  This is the Wessex Chalks Stream Project produced by Halcrow and the GeoData Institute of the University of Southampton for the Environment Agency.  The report includes a suggestion that the river and its tributaries in our area should be returned to what it was like 1000 years ago.  It would mean raising the river bed and that of Dockens Water to cause flooding of the surrounding land.  Obviously this has serious implications for rights of way in the vicinity.  In particular stretches of the Avon Valley Path and the paths across Linwood Bog which are currently unsafe and often unusable.  Unfortunately there has been little consultation on the proposals.  I only found out about the report by chance as did all the local councils and many other interested parties.  I hope there will be a proper consultation before any actions are taken.  (See also 2nd column, page 7 – Ed)
Parliament has passed the Marine and Coastal Access Bill and it should be given Royal Assent and become law shortly.  This is good news for walkers and there should therefore be a footpath around the English coast.  According to Natural England’s coastal audit 921 miles is currently without satisfactory, legally secure access.  Negotiations on the new route will take place and the first stretch of new coastal path will open at Weymouth Bay in time for the 2012 Olympics being held there.  It is likely to take 10 years to open the whole route.  I look forward to walking some of the new route.

My best wishes to you all for the festive season and 2010.
Ruth

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