Making a difference to the people of Medway

Footpath improved thanks to Conservative campaign

Press release posted on Monday, 15 June 2009

Improvements have been made to the footpath between Lordswood lane and Emily road after a campaign by local Conservative councillors.

Councillors for Princes Park Matt Bright and Pat Gulvin have had new anti- motorcycle barriers installed and the path re-surfaced after Medway Council got permission to reclassify it as a path instead of a bridleway.

Barriers cannot be installed on bridleways because they restrict access to horses. Thanks to the fact that horses had not used this bridleway for 30 years, the Council were able to get permission from the courts to change its status.

Now the entire length of the footpath has been re-surfaced with 4 sets of barriers installed at either end, with 2 in the middle to deter motorcycles and mopeds from riding on it.

Conservative Councillor Matt Bright said:

"We welcome the news that the path between Lordswood lane and Emily road has been improved after our campaign. The new anti-motorcycle barriers will protect residents using the re-surfaced footpath from the menace of bike and mopeds."

Cllr Pat Gulvin said:

"Tackling anti-social behaviour in Princes Park is one of our top priorities and these barriers will help to reduce the terror of motorcycles using footpaths. We were elected to make real improvements to the area and this is what we’ll continue to do."