Reports are reaching us that the Wandle Trail is to be upgraded, including completion of the "Bridge to Nowhere", with a grant of nearly £500K from Transport for London.
It is as yet unclear exactly what the improvements will consist of. Regular users will be familiar with the overgrown vegetation encroaching onto paths that are already too narrow, the standing water and slippery mud that await you in wet weather and the dust that coats you and your drivetrain in drier conditions. Hopefully a durable, smooth all-weather surface that actually sheds water will be on the shopping list? We'll keep you posted.
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Wandle Trail surface can be vastly improved in Merton between Morden Hall Park and Merantum Way.
At Merton Cycling Campaign, we are working in partnership with Sustrans to ensure the Wandle Trail is adapted to the needs of cyclists.
We are asking that the over-grown vegetation in Summer is cut back. We are asking for mud-free, smooth, hard wearing, surfaces, and we are asking that barriers be removed, among others.
If any of you have any ideas for the Wandle Trail, please let me know.
richardwalter@hotmail.com
Thanks
Richard
Volunteers sought!
ReplyDeleteThe Wandle Trail, a 12-mile shared use route running from Wandsworth to Croydon, is the focus of a series of improvement projects this year.
A total grant of £489,115 was awarded by Transport for London for Sustrans and the boroughs to deliver a series of improvements along the Wandle Trail, including completing the infamous ‘bridge to nowhere’ in Merton, resurfacing one section, widening a footpath and improving signage.
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/enhancements-store-wandle-trail
Sustrans are looking for volunteers for the section near Plough Lane in Wimbledon.
This section will be widened, the barriers removed, gradients reworked and a new hard-wearing cycle-friendly surface will be installed.
If you cycle, or walk, on this trail regularly, you will know how narrow and overgrown this trail is, especially in the Summer.
Five volunteer workdays will involve clearing vegetation back from the path, cutting back foliage and picking up any litter or branches along the route. This will then allow path improvement works to take place shortly after, making the path more accessible for both cyclists and pedestrians.
When?
Wednesday 4th September 10am-4pm
Saturday 7th September 10am-4pm
Tuesday 10th September 10am-4pm
Thursday 12th September 10am-4pm
Sunday 15th September 10am-4pm
Where? On the stretch of the Wandle Trail (NCN 20) between Earlsfield and Plough Lane.
To book a place, or if you have any queries, please contact Catherine Osborn:
Email: Catherine.Osborn@sustrans.org.uk
Many thanks,
Richard Walter
Member of Merton Cycling Campaign