This area marks the southern boundary of the site, adjacent to the Trent & Mersey Canal. It is already well used by local people as an access route despite crossing very poor ground. With the proposed opening of the canal bridge in this area it also creates a route to the towpath from the Burslem Port site, and a circular walk using the towpath and returning via Newport Lane bridge. This area forms part of the route of the Two Saints Way long distance walking route from Chester to Lichfield.
Detailed description
It is clear from site visits that there is a demand from local people for an access route through the southern end of the site to link to existing paths at the southern end of the Grange and particularly Festival Park.
The land is uneven with no specific path defined. There are numerous obstructions including trees and the derelict foundations of the old railway bridge over to Shelton Bar but walkers, cyclists and even parents pushing baby buggies have been seen in the area. An improvement to this area would undoubtedly be popular with the local community. Removing the trees and scrub between the new path and canal would make this area safer for pedestrians.
A project in this area should also seek to clean up the waters edge on the offside of the Trent & Mersey Canal which is used both as a picnic area and by anglers. Better facilities for both would be welcomed. This site has bad litter problems bit on the bank and in the canal so a concerted effort to improve it should reduce this problem.
Landowners
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Stakeholders
Local residents, City Council, Canal & River Trust, St Modwen (landowners of towpath side of the bridge), cyclists, anglers, boaters