Politics & Council · Swindon
Raybrook Meadow path upgrades approved to boost accessibility
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Central Swindon North Parish Council has greenlit a project to repair and improve the walking route between Pasture Close and Mannington Recreation Ground.
A popular path in Raybrook Meadow is set for significant improvements after Central Swindon North Parish Council approved plans to repair the route linking Pasture Close with Mannington Recreation Ground. The project, which comes with a budget of £8,762, aims to resolve issues caused by an increasingly uneven surface that has made the area difficult to navigate, particularly during wet weather.
The planned works will focus on an 80 to 100-metre stretch of the path, which is currently around two metres wide. The refurbishment will involve stripping back the existing, failed surface, installing a new geotextile membrane, and securing the route with treated timber edging. The final finish will consist of a compacted sub-base topped with a gravel surface to ensure better year-round accessibility for wheelchair users, people with mobility difficulties, and families using pushchairs.
A notable addition to the scheme is the installation of a three-metre-wide passing and viewing area. This space will be positioned at a suitable midpoint along the path to allow those using mobility aids to move aside for others to pass. It is also intended to serve as a designated spot for residents to stop and view the meadow without obstructing the flow of pedestrian traffic.
The project is a collaborative effort between the parish and Swindon Borough Council. While the parish council will oversee the contractor and manage the day-to-day work programme, the borough council has agreed to fund the main repair costs, which total £10,514.40 including VAT. The council has specified that no work should commence until written confirmation of funding is secured for any variations to the plan.
Parish officials have confirmed that the project will be limited to the existing footprint of the path. Contractors have been instructed to ensure the surrounding vegetation and meadow are protected throughout the construction process, with strict requirements to remove all waste and minimise disruption to the local environment. Details regarding the construction timeline and any temporary path closures will be finalised by the parish council's operations manager in the coming weeks.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original