Trust asks for help in installing new path

A TRUST which looks after a village green has appealed to a parish council to support its plan to install a permanent footpath.

Tom Fort, who chairs the Sonning Common Millennium Green Trust, spoke at a meeting of the council on Monday seeking support for the project.

The path would replace an existing informal or “desire” path alongside Kennylands Road, which links the junction of Essex Way with the top corner of Millennium Green.

Mr Fort said the informal path is prone to becoming “muddy and overgrown”, and that the upgrade would improve the path in safety and appearance.

The new path will be funded by the trust and it hopes the work can begin in March.

After obtaining written consent from Abbeycrest Nursing Home, which owns part of the path, the trust now needs the approval of Oxfordshire County Council, which owns the remaining section.

Mr Fort said: “At the moment, either you walk up the informal path, or you walk up Kennylands Road, which has no pavement and, on safety grounds alone, it would be a good idea to put the path in.

“I would very much like it if the parish council would support this and also help us to get the county council to sign a piece of paper saying this work can be done.

“I think it would be a great thing for the green and it’s just a box-ticking exercise for them.

“It’s quite urgent, because Hazel and Jefferies need to be assured that the permissions are in place before they go ahead.”

Councillor Vicky Boorman said she would see how the council could best support it.

Cllr Leigh Rawlins, who represents Henley South and Sonning Common on the county council, also offered support.

He said: “The only thing I would counsel is the chances of the county council moving like greased lightning and having something in place for the spring through their legal department is a stretch.”

Mr Fort said: “I understand that. There is no reason on earth why it shouldn’t be done other than inertia. All they have to do is say yes, otherwise we lose it for a year.”