Riverside footpath works soon to start in Sleaford

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A stretch of existing footpath along the northern bank of the River Slea, between the railway bridge and the old Cranwell railway line
A stretch of existing footpath along the northern bank of the River Slea, between the railway bridge and the old Cranwell railway line, is degraded and difficult to use in places due to the original path and materials wearing away over time

Works are set to start this month which will improve access and enable better enjoyment of a popular section of the River Slea.

A stretch of existing footpath along the northern bank of the River Slea, between the railway bridge and the old Cranwell railway line, is degraded and difficult to use in places due to the original path and materials wearing away over time.

As part of works already identified in the ongoing £1.29 million Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project, this section of path will be restored and revamped by contractor A.G.A Group to create a metre-wide gravel pathway and provide a level passageway there once more.

To ensure everyone’s safety, and help keep the length of works and disruption to a minimum, the 335-metre section of existing footpath being replaced will be fully closed from Monday 27 March for the duration. The works are due to end on Monday 24 April, weather permitting.

There is an alternative route suggested during this time, via Drove Lane, and details of this route will also be shown on signage onsite once the work starts.  

North Kesteven District Council Economy and Place Director Andy McDonough said: “We’re supporting people’s ongoing use and enjoyment of the River Slea corridor in Sleaford by replacing a gravel and earth pathway which runs along part of the river.

“It’s one of the identified improvements planned together with our partners in the Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project, which is aimed at restoring and reconnecting the river and its corridors through the urban reaches of Sleaford and Grantham. The project aims to boost biodiversity and quality habitat for wildlife, while also making some improvements such as these riverside footpath works to help people better enjoy our environment and the wellbeing benefits this brings.

“We do recognise the closure of the path during this time will cause disruption for those who regularly use it for leisure and travel, and I would like to thank everyone for their patience while the work takes place.”

The Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project has already seen a series of works completed in the town, including new features created in-channel within the River Slea and its verges to promote biodiversity through berms and bankside improvements carried out by Lions Environmental Contractors. There’s also been work at Lollycocks Field in Sleaford also as part of the Project and undertaken by contractor Hill Holt Wood, including an extended boardwalk, a new kingfisher nesting bank, and planting of hedgerow.

Some separate works are planned under the Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project to also improve a footpath at Lollycocks Field, with further details on this to be shared when available. 

image | riverside path works
Image
A stretch of existing footpath along the northern bank of the River Slea, between the railway bridge and the old Cranwell railway line
As part of works already identified in the ongoing £1.29 million Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project, this section of path will be restored and revamped by contractor A.G.A Group to create a metre-wide gravel pathway and provide a level passageway the

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