Potential Improvements to Smestow Valley Dis-Used Railway Line
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Agenda Item No. 6 Place Scrutiny Committee - 24th September 2020 Report of the Acting Director of Public Realm Potential Improvements to Smestow Valley Dis-Used Railway Line Purpose 1. To update the Scrutiny Committee regarding work done to date and the potential for future improvements to the Smestow Valley disused railway line. Recommendations 2. It is recommended:- • Scrutiny Committee note the contents of this report and support future opportunities for further development and improvement works to the route going forward. Background 3. The overall route of the disused railway runs between Fens Pool Nature Reserve in Pensnett and Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, via Wombourne. Whilst the Fens Pool to Himley section of the route falls within Dudley borough and the Tettenhall to Aldersley Leisure Village section falls within the City of Wolverhampton boundary, the majority of the mid-section of the route lies in South Staffordshire. In total the Railway Path offers around 11 miles of pleasant traffic- free walking or cycling opportunity. A schematic of the route is shown below in purple; 4. Based on discussions with colleagues from both Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Councils there is an appetite to improve and promote a regional route and lobbying for this is ongoing, however the key initial focus for Dudley is the condition of the section that falls within our administrative boundary. This section is shown on Drawing Number M570-01 attached to this report. 5. The quality of both the surface of the path and the quality of access points varies considerably along the route. Sections north of Pensnett, particularly around the Oak Lane area suffer from significant drainage and associated ponding issues, which during periods of inclement weather cause major problems for people trying to navigate the route. In terms of access points we have also experienced problems regarding fly-tipping and the use of off road motorcycles along the route, which creates both damage to the path surface and also presents a safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists. Clearly any proposals to improve ped/cycle access would need to consider this issue. 6. Previously officers and stakeholders have attempted to secure funding in order to improve the path from a number of sources, including those set out below. Unfortunately to date no applications have been successful; • Biffa Community Fund improvement bid • Routes Through Green Spaces (2017 EU LGF) - a biodiversity based application • Transport for West Midlands - Better Streets Fund (2019) 7. The dis-used rail corridor provides an ideal opportunity for health promoting active travel and for family tourism (passing near several local attractions). Furthermore, given the significant housing developments coming forward in the Tansey Green area the route also provides a sustainable link back into Dudley borough and particularly Brierley Hill Strategic Centre, whilst also potentially providing improved walk/cycle access to the nearby Pensnett Trading Estate. 8. Furthermore, given the recent United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Geopark announcement, these types of cross-borough leisure opportunities are central to the aims of the Geopark and really serve to promote connections between Dudley and its neighbouring authorities. 9. Given the significant opportunity that the route provides in terms of supporting regeneration locally and active travel both locally and at a more regional level officers are keen to continue to seek funding opportunities for further development and improvements works to the route going forward. Finance 10. In order to develop, design and implement improvements funding would need to be identified from either future internal budgets or applied for via external grant funding opportunities. 11. Although no designs or estimates have yet been produced, based on other similar projects the estimated cost of improving the 3.5km length that falls within the Dudley Borough boundary could be within the region of £1M. Law 12. Section III of the Local Government Act 1972 empowers the Council to do anything which is calculated to facilitate or is conducive to or incidental to the discharge of its functions. 13. The Council is empowered to improve Highways under Section 62 of the Highways Act 1980. Equality Impact 14. Any scheme proposals will include specific provision to benefit pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users of the transport network, assist social inclusion and support the mobility of the less able together with measures to improve access for young people to schools and education where appropriate. Human Resources/Organisational Development 15. There are no human resources or organisational development implications for the Council arising from this report. Commercial/Procurement 16. This report has no direct commercial implications. Any procurement activity that may result from development and/or delivery of schemes referenced within this report will be carried out in accordance with the Councils Contract Standing Orders. Health, Wellbeing and Safety 17. This report has implications for health and well-being in that any improvements to the disused rail corridor would support objectives to achieve modal shift in travel patterns towards walking and cycling. This is anticipated to have positive impacts on congestion, air quality, noise, road safety and levels of physical activity, thereby supporting the public health agenda. ………………………………………….. Acting Director of Public Realm Garry Dean Contact Officers: Neil Lissimore/Mark Sorrill Telephone: 01384 814686/01384 812338 Email: [email protected]/[email protected] Appendices Drawing Number M570-01 – Smestow Valley Disused Railway Line – Location Plan List of Background Documents None .