Plans approved for a new ‘greenway’ in Aylesbury

Route of the extension to the Emerald Way cycle route, towards Aylesbury Vale Parkway and the Waddesdon Greenway. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Council)

Plans approved for a new ‘greenway’ linking Aylesbury Vale Parkway station with Haydon Hill, Aylesbury.

The scheme from Buckinghamshire Council will provide a link between the extensive cycle network in Aylesbury and the popular Waddesdon Greenway which, since opening in summer 2018, is already enjoyed by more than 150,000 walkers and cyclists.

The new ‘greenway’ link will be two thirds of a mile long and will be funded by a £400,000 grant from the Department for Transport and the sustainable travel charity, Sustrans. Eventually it create a dedicated cycle route from the centre of Aylesbury to Waddesdon Manor and village.

Now that the scheme has been given planning permission, the design and fabrication of two new bridges needed to take the ‘greenway’ across the River Thame and a couple of streams, can begin off site.

The route will be cleared of vegetation during winter, to avoid the nesting season, ready for four months of construction to start in April 2021.

Nick Naylor, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said: ‘The approval of Berryfields Parish Council’s plans for a ‘Roman Park’ leisure area, near Aylesbury Vale Parkway station, he said provided an opportunity to ‘extend’ Waddesdon Greenway to the town, and the Haydon Hill ‘greenway’ forms the missing gap in this route.

The new link will make a much easier and safer cycle ride, and walking will be much more pleasant.

In the light of a national post-Covid19 desire for greener and healthier ways to get around, I’m really pleased we’re forging ahead with these plans.‘

Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure at Buckinghamshire Council and Cycle Champion for Aylesbury Garden Town, said: ‘What a great asset this will be to our residents! It’ll help towards realising our vision that people will choose to walk, cycle or use public transport for everyday journeys.‘

*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.