Villagers back plan for footpath link-up

Plans to create a new footpath connecting villages near Market Drayton have moved one step closer after the scheme received widespread support from residents.

Results from a questionnaire sent out by Hodnet Parish Council showed that 91 per cent of people were in favour of proposals to create the path, which would connect Marchamley, Hodnet and Wollerton.

A total of 381 questionnaires were sent out, including 281 in Hodnet and 100 in Marchamley.

Ninety-two questionnaires were returned to the council, with 86 per cent of people from Hodnet and 100 per cent of people from Marchamley in favour of the path.

Richard Underwood, parish councillor, said: "The parish council felt the return rate was pretty good, but there is still time for anyone who hasn't got around to returning their form to do so."

He added: "When it came to expected uses of the path, the questionnaire seemed to support our general expectations that its use would be popular for leisure purposes, but in Marchamley many households would also consider its use important in helping to access local based services.

"After considering the results the parish council agreed in principle that scheme was worthy of further examination by the Hodnet Footpath Group, with whom the results have been shared."

He added the next steps include taking further advice from Shropshire Council's access development officer and drawing up detailed proposals.

The Hodnet Footpath Group is keen for some of those who indicated their support for the project to get involved and help take it forward.

The path would have a compacted hardcore surface and run from the end of the current Marchamley roadside pavement to join the existing Hodnet roadside pavement at Sandybank.

For more information visit www.hodnet.org.uk