Upgrades to pedestrian path enhance accessibility

Enhancements on a segment of a well-used pedestrian route between two villages in North Yorkshire are now finished. This constitutes the most recent stage of a £700,000 project designed to enhance access to a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) portion of the Cinder Track, situated between Burniston and Cloughton, near Scarborough. The Cinder Track utilizes a former railway route and extends for 21 miles (33km) connecting Scarborough and Whitby. North Yorkshire Council and the Sustrans charity, which advocates for walking and cycling, indicated that the initiative received funding from the Department for Transport (DfT). The Burniston to Cloughton scheme represents an ongoing effort to enhance the path’s accessibility, consistent with a restoration strategy established in 2018, and comes after comparable efforts on other parts of the track. Councillor Keane Duncan expressed that they were “very proud” of the enhancements implemented. He added, “The feedback from locals and visitors alike has been extremely positive, with this major investment allowing more people than ever before to enjoy the beauty of North Yorkshire’s coast.” The pathway now features an upgraded surface, composed of a blend of recycled rubber from vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate, creating a durable pavement. Obstacles that previously impeded access for certain individuals have also been taken down. Joanne Brannan, a resident of Burniston whose daughter uses a wheelchair, commented that the path has been “improved for everyone.” She stated, “The Cinder Track was very uneven and treacherous before the improvements, and it was difficult with the wheelchair and children’s bikes.” Brannan continued, “Since it has been improved, everyone can enjoy the walk. It is so much better now, and we feel safer from trip hazards.” Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans’ director for the north of England, stated that the track stands as one of the most picturesque routes on the National Cycle Network. She remarked, “It links communities between Whitby and Scarborough, and is a popular path for people on foot, bike or horse.” Colderley further noted, “These improvements help to make it easier for people to use the route, which is part of our wider ambition to make the National Cycle Network accessible to everyone.” Hear key moments from North Yorkshire via BBC Sounds, view the most recent installment of Look North, or share a story you believe merits our attention here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available for review.