The Greenway, South Staffordshire

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A disused railway line in Staffordshire is to be transformed into a new green route for walkers and cyclists to safely enjoy the great open spaces. The Greenway is to be a dedicated route between Lichfield and Chasewater in the south of the county, It will be created along the path of the former South Staffordshire Railway Line, which opened in 1849 for passenger travel and coal and oil transportation but has not been running for decades.

Lichfield District Council has been working on preparations to transform the line into a ‘recreational corridor’ and has now signed an agreement with the landowner, Network Rail, enabling preliminary works to begin. The project is being developed in collaboration with Back the Track, a group of volunteers who have already redeveloped the Brownhills to Pelsall section of the line also known as the McClean Way, It also involves Sustrans, the charity that works to create walking and cycling routes across the UK.



Lichfield District Council leader, Councillor Doug Pullen, said: “I’m delighted that after many years of negotiation and an in-depth feasibility study, this agreement has been made with Network Rail allowing volunteers to get started on the Greenway. When completed, it will provide families with the perfect environment to enjoy cycling, walking and running in safety well away from busy roads. The work that Back the Track has already done is nothing short of a miracle, and we are fortunate that such a brilliant group are willing to continue their superb work.”

The council’s Cabinet Member for High Streets and Visitor Economy, Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, added: “The Greenway will be a fantastic facility for the district’s residents, and visitors to enjoy. In addition to the leisure and environmental benefits it will bring, the Greenway will improve connectivity between Chasewater, Hammerwich, Burntwood and Lichfield.”



Tim Kitchen of Back the Track commented: “In 2017 when Back the Track started clearing the disused railway line between Walsall and Brownhills, our ambition was always to get to Lichfield so there would be a destination at either end. Now we are delighted to have been asked by Lichfield District Council to share our expertise in helping to open up the missing link.”

#outdoor
#walks
#cycling
#nature

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