Letter: Cuts in County Council Funding Will Not Help ‘Modal Shift’

Published on: 23 Aug, 2017
Updated on: 23 Aug, 2017

From Lisa Wright

Another shot in the foot for the Guildford Borough Council’s desire for a “modal shift” to decrease pressure on roads, by encouraging people to walk and cycle, is the recent cancellation of funding from Surrey County Council to keep our rights of way open.

I have been out on two “track clearances” with the Worplesdon and District Bridleways Association (WDBA) recently, cutting away spikey blackthorn, dog roses and blackberries to keep the busy Christmas Pie route from Farnham to Park Barn and a Bridleway on Broadstreet open. Just last week the WDBA in partnership with Whitmoor Common Association, Surrey Wildlife and the British Horse Society

Just last week the WDBA in partnership with Whitmoor Common Association, Surrey Wildlife and the British Horse Society have resurfaced a large section of track on Whitmoor Common making it useable once again.

Personally, I find it unlikely volunteer groups will be able, and should not be expected to, keep all paths open. How will GBC ensure that the footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes remain in good condition? Or will those people using these routes now have to drive to work instead?

Responses to Letter: Cuts in County Council Funding Will Not Help ‘Modal Shift’

Dave Middleton Reply

August 23, 2017 at 4:48 pm

I thought it was a legal duty of the county council to ensure that all highways, including public footpaths, bridleways and byways were kept open and in a condition to allow free passage?
- Martin Elliott Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 8:21 pm
  
  I believe it’s obvious that there is a disconnect between many legal duties of unitary, county or district councils and what they actually do.
  
  Surrey County Council (SCC) has had a ‘ring fenced’ fund of over £200m for rebuild/replacement of road surfaces, potholes and pavements.
  
  After the start, five years ago, they have been strangely silent on what has been done in all three areas.
  
  According to the last independent survey, SCC still led nationally on compensation claims. If repairs are being made over five years should that not be dropping?
JIm Allen Reply

August 24, 2017 at 9:09 am

I wholeheartedly support Lisa’s comments and her voluntary work here in Burpham at the Nature Reserve car park.

The countryside team turned up yesterday and amongst the chaos of the Burpham sewer problems, they clearly intended to cut the grass in the car park – but they had to leave before doing the job because the car park is too popular and was full up! It is truly amazing just how many cars you can get in a 30 car car park in one day.

I hope everyone will continue to treat the area with respect. Litter has almost vanished, drug bags down to about one a week, and beer cans and bottles almost non-existent.
John Perkins Reply

August 25, 2017 at 9:30 am

Quite so. It’s time we stopped referring to council funding. Councils fund nothing. Taxpayers provide all the money and councils are employed to decide how to spend it.

Allowing them to describe it as though they provide it only serves to hide how much they choose to spend on themselves.