New shared pedestrian and cycle route for Alexandra Park

The two footpaths leading into Alexandra Park in Dordretcht Way due to become a shared cycle/footway (photo from Google Maps Street View)

On Monday (September 28), Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, is to consider proposals to create a new cycle route passing through Alexandra Park and around the Shornden Reservoir into Silverhill.

The proposals would see existing footpaths within the park converted into shared cycle and walking routes.

In a report to be considered at the meeting, a county council spokesman said: “The facility will form one of the principal routes identified in the Hastings Walking and Cycling Strategy approved by the lead member on 15 September 2014.

“The strategy focuses on identifying a borough-wide network of cycle routes which will be developed and delivered using funding from various sources, including: Local Growth Fund monies secured through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP); the county council’s capital programme for local transport improvements; and development contributions.”

The proposals include changes to two crossing points on Dordrecht Way – a short road which intersects Alexandra Park.

This element of the proposals had seen objections from some residents, mainly focused on concerns about the safety of pedestrians using the crossing.

The council, however, says it does not consider there are any safety issues as a result of the proposals.

A council spokesman said: “The scheme proposals have been through a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit undertaken by a specialist audit team that is independent of the design team.

“No safety issues pertaining to the comments raised were identified in the audit report.

“Adequate signing and surface markings will be provided as a part of the scheme to warn cyclists of the approaching junction, as well as signage to vehicles using Dordrecht Way.”

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