NUTBROOK TRAIL

The Nutbrook Trail, which runs between Long Eaton and Shipley Park, will be hit by Derbyshire funding cuts. The maintenance was carried out by an organisation called SUSTRANS on behalf of Derbyshire County Council. The £4,000 used by them to carry out routine maintenance has been cut from the DCC budget.

I rode up the trail the other day and was struck by the bad state of the Shipley Park end. The cycleway needs more repairs not less.

I believe we should be opening up more footpaths, cycle and bridleways, not running down the one we've already got. Not only is encouraging people off the roads good for health but it also helps local tourism. Another mindless cut from Derbyshire County Council.

ON THE TRAIL

I went on a cycle ride up the Nutbrook Trail from Long Eaton to Shipley Park. The Nutbrook trail was a project completed last time Labour had a majority on Erewash Council. It is now part of the national cycle network. Some of it has been upgraded by British Waterways but much of it needs further work. Lots of puddles and mire particularly along the bit in Amber Valley District Council's area.

We had a positive attitude when in control of Erewash and made significant improvements along the canal side using the Erewash Groundwork Trust to design and implement a long lasting ecological improvement along the Erewash Canal.



WORK PROGRESSING ON PASTURE LOCK

 I would like to see more spurs to allow users alternative routes thereby introducing greater variety along the trail.

Cycling merrily along I first got chased by a Border Collie, then a Boxer dog and finally snapped at by an Aberdeen Terrier. Fortunately the Aberdeen was restrained by the owner otherwise a nasty nip seemed to be in the offing. What is it with these hounds? Aren't they getting enough food or is it they just can't resist my bony ankles?