Work starts to make canal towpath access easier (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
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Work starts to make canal towpath access easier
2:10pm Sunday 1st July 2012 in Droitwich News
Cyclists and British Waterways volunteers with Andrew Cartwright, Waitrose branch manager, testing a newly widened towpath entrance.
BRITISH Waterways volunteers have started work to make it easier for people to use Droitwich’s Junction Canal.
The work, being carried out with the support of Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council, aims to widen some of the entrances to the canal towpath to make cycling easier for bikes with children’s seats or trailers.
The work also connects to a recent decision by Waitrose to launch a free cycle shopping trailer scheme which enables anyone to borrow a cycle trailer. It attaches to their bike enabling customers to get their shopping home.
Andrew Cartwright, Waitrose branch manager, said: “Our free cycle shopping trolley scheme is not just about promoting Waitrose, it’s about making it easier for people to shop in Droitwich whilst doing their bit for the environment.”
Jim Maybury, a Droitwich Spa cyclist, tested the cycle trailer and said: “The gate widening is a big improvement enabling cyclists to use child seats and bike-hods and will improve access for people with disabilities.”
Andy Pitt, from Wychavon District Council, added: “Cycling benefits people and the community by improving personal fitness and reducing pollution. The Hanbury Road towpath link improvements will make it easier for visitors to the new marina to shop in Droitwich.”
Other improvements are also planned for the Junction Canal, where cyclists currently have to come off the towpath to negotiate a busy main road. The plans will create a cycle path so cyclists can avoid the busy road making it safer and more appealing to all.
