Pictured above: (l-r) Cllr Neil Atkin, Chairman of South
Derbyshire District Council; Hilton Councillor Amy Plenderleith;
Jonathan Green of St. Modwen; the Chairman's Consort Mrs Barbara
James; and Hilton and Derbyshire County Councillor, Julie
Patten
A new Greenway walking and cycle route through the heart of
Hilton Village has been officially opened by developer St. Modwen
and South Derbyshire District Council.
The Greenway provides Hilton residents and visitors with an
attractively landscaped new 750 metre pedestrian and cycle route
linking to the village's existing Greenway, connecting The Mease
and Egginton Road while also joining with wider public routes
including the National Cycle Route 54, The Great North Greenway and
White Peak Loop.
Part of the wider Greenway Strategy for South Derbyshire
District, the Greenway has been designed and constructed by
regeneration specialists St. Modwen, working in conjunction with
South Derbyshire District Council and Hilton Parish Council to
deliver a sustainable transport route through the village.
Jonathan Green, development surveyor for St. Modwen commented:
"As a responsible developer, we are always looking for ways
in which we can enhance the communities in which we work and this
Greenway provides an attractive and eco-friendly new route by foot
or cycle through Hilton. Having participated in a charity
cycle ride from Lands' End to John O'Groats earlier this year, I
understand how important valued dedicated cycle routes like this
are to local communities in providing safe and enjoyable cycling
experiences. I hope this Greenway will encourage residents of
all ages to explore this safe, attractive and car-free route
whether for healthy commuting, keeping fit or the general enjoyment
of the great outdoors."
Councillor Neil Atkin, Chairman of South Derbyshire District
Council added: "I am delighted to see this new Greenway open
to the public. It is a fantastic new route through the heart
of Hilton, connecting residents to the village's main facilities
via a safe and sustainable off-road route. Up to 17,000km of
Greenways are currently being created or planned across England and
we are delighted to have one right here in Hilton, allowing users
not only to explore the local community safely but also to discover
and explore wider public networks such as the National Cycle
Route."
Alongside a recycled tarmac toptrek cycle/walking surface, the
Greenway is bounded by over 25 different species of trees, shrubs
and hedgerows, newly planted to enhance and encourage the growth of
wider ecologies along the route. Existing habitats, including wild
herb species and historic hedgerows have also been carefully
preserved along Greenway, ensuring a careful marrying of past and
present.