Biggest employer in Somerset supports the Grand Western Greenway

The Chief Executive and Chief Nurse of Somerset NHS Trust have pledged their support for the Greenway.

Somerset NHS Foundation trust employs more people in Somerset than anyone else. In this video, Hayley Peters and Peter Lewis discuss the benefits for the organisation,for their colleagues employed across multiple sites in Taunton and Wellington including Musgrove Park Hospital, and for their patients.

In this video they speak with Charles Biscoe, the lead director of the Greenway project, about these benefits. Charles later discusses the next few stages of the monumental task ahead of us.

Chief Nurse and Chief Executive of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust discuss the Greenway

Walk the Greenway

We had a walk planned for May, but this is now moved on into June. The next conducted walk from Wellingon to Taunton will be on 21st June, and is well worth coming along for. It gives a real look at the attractions of having an Active Travel Route through the countryside as opposed to one alongside the A38.

It doesn't follow the exact route as we have to follow public rights of way, and because we are not entirely sure of exactly what the route will be. There are many negotiations and studies to be done before that time. Charles will lead the walk, and will talk a lot about the local history of the area including the growth and decline of the Grand Western Canal, from whom we borrowed part of our name.

Details are on our website https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/events-1

Spring Greenway update

Wellington Station

I've made a few mentions about the station and its precarious journey to being built over the last year or so, but it is worth mentioning again. Although it would indeed be a bonus to add this to the public transport mix for Wellington, it is not vital for the Greenway. Yes, it would mean a haul-road would be built which we would adopt but, as I mentioned before, the proposal to build housing on the north side of the line would have to include an active travel plan. The developers are supporters of the Greenway, and their plans indicate they would either upgrade the haul-road or build their own path from Tonedale to the Nynehead Road.

Nevertheless, the Department for Transport has not shut down the Wellington Station negotiation. The Chancellor specifically singled out developments around transport hubs to boost growth, and there is no better example of this than Wellington. Gideon Amos MP has met the railway minister Lord Hendy several times, and is due to so again this week. This time he is taking a coachload of his constituents, and I'll be there pushing the case for active travel.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust supports the Greenway

The Trust that delivers all acute secondary and some primary care across Somerset is the largest emplyer in the county. Their Chief Nurse and Chief Executive agreed to an interview in which they discussed their support of the Greenway and the benefit it will bring to their patients and colleagues. The video is still being edited, but you can have a sneak peek here

Route and Engineering Assessment

Again, I've written about the work being done by Greenways and Cycle-Routes Ltd. Their principle, John Grimshaw (founder and former CEO of Sustrans) will report over the next month or two, and we are hoping to discuss this and other issues at public meetings over the summer in Taunton and Wellington. Are you interested in this?

Somerset Council Active Travel Team

It appears that, after a number of people moved away from the AT Team last year, recruitment has seen the appointment of three new officers. They are clearly very busy because, despite a number of attempts by us and councillors, we have yet to make contact with them. Let's hope that is just a temporary hiatus as they settle into post, and that we can get talking very soon.

Public Talks and Presentations

we are pleased to report we have now spoken to every Rotary Club (I think) in Wellington and Taunton. They have been kind enough to show great interest in the project and have demonstrated their support. Wellington WI have done the same, and we are always very happy to come and spread the word if you have groups that would be interested.

Throughout the summer we hope to get to more public events such as street fairs markets. We are negotiating with some of the larger employers such as Musgrove Park Hospital and the Hydrographic Office to operate a display in their public spaces. If you would like to help out with any of those, we would be very happy to see you!

That's it for this week, but let me have your questions and comments which I will do my best to answer.

The Latest Developments in Our Greenways and Cycleroutes Project: An Update on Progress and Future Plans

Many of you will know of the work commissioned by Grand Western Greenway in collaboration with Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd is that is an important step towards exploring route options and assessing engineering challenges. This report will guide us as we move forward in negotiations and implement practical solutions.

The completion of this report will clarify which stakeholders need to be consulted for access permissions across various lands. Additionally, it helps us address practical issues like flooding, road and river crossings, and planning for future maintenance.

A heartfelt thank you goes to both the Wellington and Taunton Town Councils for their generous funding. Their support is crucial in helping us make significant advancements.

Current Progress on Route Planning

We are pleased to share that we have secured permission to begin the planning phase for paths at both ends of the project. This includes a proposed route from Taunton to Silk Mills and one from Wellington to Nynehead Road. These developments are a major step toward making the Greenway a reality.

In discussions with a developer currently at the pre-planning application stage, we’ve found promising cooperation. The developer plans to build new homes on the north side of the railway line in Wellington, stretching from the station site to Tonedale. They have included the Greenway in their development plans, regardless of Network Rail's plans for a halul-road in that area.

Outline plan for a development north of the railway line

The proposed Greenway is shown on the map with a blue dotted line. Existing footpaths are marked in yellow, while the thick orange line represents the Bristol Exeter railway line. On the western side, you’ll find Tonedale, with Nynehead Road to the east.

In addition, Langford Budville Parish Council has an initiative to create a path connecting their community to Tonedale. A vital part of the developer’s proposal includes integrating a pathway from the Sewage Treatment Plant access road into the housing site. This will provide users direct access to the Greenway, the railway station, and the town, eliminating the need to navigate the busy B3187. This creates a safer environment for pedestrians.

Community Engagement and Membership Drive

Connecting with the community and increasing membership support is a priority we take seriously. Our approach includes participating in various events and discussions throughout the year.

In just this past year, we have visited almost all the Rotary Clubs in both Wellington and Taunton. These visits are an opportunity to raise awareness about the Greenways and Cycleroutes project and discuss its community benefits.

Through these engagements, we share insights on the planned pathways, showcasing how they can improve local connectivity and promote cycling and walking in the area. Engaging the community inspires more residents to contribute to our mission.

Overcoming Engineering Challenges

The ongoing report from Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd focuses on identifying practical engineering challenges. Recognizing these hurdles early will allow us to devise effective strategies.

For instance, we aim to address potential flooding areas and plan safe roadway crossings for everyone. We are also assessing the logistics surrounding river crossings. By tackling these factors early on, we can create a well-constructed and sustainable route that benefits the community for years.

Railway bridge over the River Tone

Understanding these challenges will also aid our discussions with landowners and stakeholders. By being prepared, we can offer solutions that align with their interests while advancing our Greenways goals.

Walk the Greenway

If you haven't already done so (or maybe you have and want to do it again) we will be Walking the Greenway on Saturday, 15th March. It will get as close as we can on public footpaths, but gives a pretty good idea of exactly why we work so hard to achieve this route as an accessible route for all.

The walk is about 8.5 miles from Wellington to Taunton leaving at 09:30 and arriving between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. The return trip is by bus unless you make other arrangements.

More information and registration here https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/event-details/walk-the-greenway-xvi