Council to try again to install public footpath in Guisborough
A council has applied for planning permission in order to have a second stab at installing a set of steps on a public footpath it previously admitted weren’t up to standard.
The steps, which lead up an old railway embankment off Belmangate, Guisborough, were removed by Redcar and Cleveland Council after it deemed they were unsuitable for the location.
Belmont ward councillor Carolyn Curr claimed workers had spent weeks “trying to bash them the steps in” before it was decided another solution was required, and they were too short and narrow.
The steel steps taken out were intended to be a replacement for what were said to be worn and potentially dangerous concrete steps.
The council has now applied for planning permission – for a second time – for new steps made of paving stone.
The application has already elicited comments from some local residents.
One said she would have preferred a “graduated path” instead so people with wheelchairs and young children in buggies could use it.
Another said she did not want to see trees or bushes removed in order to increase the width of the new steps.
A design and access statement submitted with the planning application said: “The footpath provides access to the town and local amenities such as sports fields and event venues and is used as a route to school and to the town centre.
“The dismantled railway line also provides access to walkers, cyclists and horse riders and important links into the wider countryside, into Guisborough Forest and the North York Moors National Park.
“The former steps had fallen into disrepair, having been dislodged by tree roots leaving them sloped and difficult to use.
“The proposal aspires to install a visually pleasing structure that provides essential access for amenity and recreation, for residents and visitors.”
It added: “The steps will be finished using high-quality Yorkstone Pavers that will weather to blend well with the surrounding environment.
“Metal work will be painted black to match existing metal work on site.
“New trees will be planted on the embankment to replace the trees that need to be removed.”
A handrail is also being added at either side, whereas the original staircase only had one.
Residents have until July 28 to comment on the new plans.