| Petition Overview: |
The railway land in Lower Bengeo is under increasing threat of development. A general view is that residents value this land as it provides an open and green space in what is a densely populated area. The space is inhabited by a variety of wildlife and includes a wide range of trees and plant life, which all add to the environment and the landscape of Lower Bengeo. Concern about the impact on our area if this space was lost to the community, has driven a number of residents to explore how they can secure the area, leaving it as an open space available for the wider community to enjoy. With this in mind an opportunity has arisen. Hertfordshire County Council is seeking feedback from the public on the proposed Local Transport Plan. You can see the plan and respond to it via this link: (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and-highways/proposal-to-introduce-local-transport-plan-ltp4.aspx)The plan seeks to address the transport challenges of today whilst preparing for the demands of the next 15 years. Hertfordshire is predicted to see an increase of 87,000 households by 2031; this will bring with it increasing pressure on our transport infrastructure.As part of this plan HCC has identified Hertford as one of 9 sustainable transport towns. These towns will focus on improvements in walking, cycling and passenger transport, combined with activity to encourage more sustainable travel behaviour. Two further policies in the plan also emphasise and seek to promote improved walking and cycling.* The transport plan and outline policies are encouraging and we feel there is a need to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the community for the railway land to be an open, green, accessible space. This would fit well with the new plan for Hertford to be a sustainable town. If you agree please show you support and sign the below petition.Petition question: We the undersigned petition the council to open up the Lower Bengeo railway land, making it a footpath and cycle track to provide a safe and traffic free route through Lower Bengeo from Port Hill to Beane Road. In so doing we can retain the trees and green embankments and a corridor for wildlife too.*To read more go to the plan for more details page 61 - https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/about-the-council/consultations/ltp4-local-transport-plan-draft.pdf) |