Proposal for the formal adoption and upgrade of the path connecting Lawrie Reilly Place to Sunnyside - Petitions (Open)
Petition details
I am writing to propose a common-sense, low-cost improvement to active travel infrastructure in our community that would resolve a long-standing connectivity issue. When the Lawrie Reilly Place development was built in 2016, Block 58 was specifically designed to connect to Crawford Bridge. Unfortunately, due to engineering issues and poor coordination at the time, this crucial link was never completed. As a result, residents are currently forced to use an unadopted, unlit, and uneven path under the bridge. This path is far from a minor thoroughfare; it is currently used by thousands of people every week. It serves as the primary gateway for an entire community to access the amenities on West Road and East Road. Despite this high footfall, the land remains derelict and unadopted. We are asking the council to take the following four simple and cost-effective steps to transform this vital link: Formally adopt the land: This small strip of land sits under the bridge and will never be used by Network Rail. Formal adoption would allow the council to maintain it as a public right of way. Install street lighting: The path is dark and unsafe, particularly in winter. The installation of just four strategically placed lights would significantly improve safety and encourage year-round use. Resurface the path: The current uneven surface is a trip hazard. Applying tarmac or a rubber crumb surface would create a safe, accessible route for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and less mobile residents. Install steps and handrails: Small steps with handrails are needed to connect the path directly to the side of Block 58, creating a seamless link for residents. Why this is a no-brainer for the council: This proposal is a perfect example of a project that delivers on multiple council objectives at a minimal cost. By adopting and upgrading this short, 30-meter stretch, the council would directly support its strategic goal of getting people out walking and reducing car dependency. Currently, blocking residents into a disconnected cul-de-sac encourages the exact opposite behaviour, forcing them to use cars for short journeys. This project would not only improve safety and accessibility but would also deliver on your promises to create a more connected, sustainable, and active city. This is even more important given the disapointment of the Crawford Bridge never being connected to the development as originally promised.
