Call for popular shortcut in Ampthill to be reopened as plans stall yet again
Plans to reopen a popular shortcut in Ampthill have hit another stumbling block.
The footpath, which gave local residents access to the Houghton Close Doctors Surgery in Ampthill, was blocked off in February 2020, when buildings were demolished at the site.
Houghton Lodge Footway was once a shortcut for people in Ampthill who needed easier access to their appointments. But now, since its closure, locals have been forced to seek an alternative route.
Determined residents of the town have now united together in an appeal to Central Bedfordshire Council to restore the path, which connected the Ampthill Library to the Houghton Close area.
Councillor Susan Clinch, Mark Smith, Gary Summerfield and Ampthill Town Council, have been petitioning for the site's redevelopment since planning proposals came out for consultation in May 2023, which included building an over-55s residential apartment block and a small housing estate, neither of which went ahead.
The project would have also seen the Houghton Lodge Footway restored.
Cllr Stephen Addy, who is currently serving as mayor of Ampthill, has expressed concern about the safety of local residents and remains determined to push the project forward.
“The footpath was used both as a safe route to and from schools as well as pedestrian access to the Doctors surgeries”
“The alternative route is unsafe; the pavements are too narrow particularly on Tuesdays due to bin day, you couldn't safely get a wheelchair or a pram through”
“We have walked CBC officers around the alternative route and they shared our concerns about safety”
Despite a 700-signature petition being presented to CBC in August, 2024, with supporting statements from schools, the GP surgeries and other local community groups, work on the footpath was not started, due to the high costs involved.
“The initial cost for the scheme was £70k” Cllr Addy points out,
“We offered alternatives and changes to the scheme. We offered to get a team of residents to come and help some of the clearing of bushes and vegetation”
“Following these changes being assessed the cost was reduced to £55k”
In light of these reductions, Cllr Susan Clinch and her team managed to secure funds through Ampthill Town Council, and a contractor was found.
However, according to a statement released by Cllr Clinch on Facebook this month, yet another hurdle has been hit.
“Our latest information from CBC is that the site is about to be marketed so the footway works are on hold again - and the reopening is back to being uncertain.”
“Reopening this key pedestrian connection is a priority for our town and part of CBC’s responsibility to our community.”
“We will keep trying to make this happen!”
Cllr Steve Watkins, executive member for assets said, "We appreciate the continued interest in the proposed footpath at Houghton Lodge in Ampthill.
"Key stakeholders have been informed that the site is scheduled for disposal and marketing will commence mid-November. The marketing period is expected to extend into the New Year, and we are unable to proceed with any footpath works during this time.
"We have worked constructively with Ampthill Town Council and Ward Members to support their aspiration for a footpath assisting with scoping and pricing of the project and we will continue to keep all parties updated as the process moves forward. While the next steps will depend on the nature of the offers received and any conditions attached to them, we remain committed to supporting the delivery of the footpath project should it be possible to proceed.”