Conkers Circuit News

This is a press release from Sustrans issued today.

Work underway on new walking and cycling route in National Forest

Work has begun on completing a vital missing link in the 5-mile Conkers Circuit, the walking and cycling route in the National Forest, providing a shared use path between Albert Village, Moira and Donisthorpe - close to the Conkers family attraction.

The route is being delivered by the National Forest Charitable Trust in conjunction with charity Sustrans, which enables people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike or public transport. The new path will provide a safe and direct link parallel to the busy B5004 and join an existing route to Swadlincote. It is being part funded by the Big Lottery Fund, which awarded Sustrans £50million following a public vote in 2007 for the Connect2 project, creating new everyday walking and cycling routes in communities across the UK.
The existing pathway will be significantly widened and resurfaced to make it suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists, allowing them to avoid the 50mph B5004 providing an off-road link into the Rawdon Business Park, near to Conkers.
Mike Ballantyne, of the National Forest Charitable Trust, said, "The National Forest Charitable Trust is delighted that work has started on completing the missing link as part of the 5-mile Conkers Circuit, all thanks to support from Sustrans and the Big Lottery Fund. The Circuit, which takes a loop around CONKERS, is already very popular and well used; completing this final section will mean even more people can enjoy the heart of the National Forest, on either foot or cycle."
Patrick Davis, Sustrans Area Manager in the East Midlands, said, “Sustrans is delighted to be working with the National Forest Charitable Trust to deliver this vital link which will complete a vision first imagined by the Heart of the National Forest Community Forum back in 2002.”
Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the East Midlands, said: “This is great news for people living in the area as the new route will make it all that bit easier to make everyday journeys by foot or bike. People from across the UK voted for Sustrans to be awarded the £50 million Lottery grant, so it’s fantastic to see some of that funding making its way to support communities within the National Forest.”
When the work is complete, local volunteer rangers Shawn Brotherhood and Ben Stuart will be organising a variety of community events on the Conkers circuit, enabling both young and old to feel comfortable on their bike.