Action at last for long-lost footpath near Hunmanby railway tracks

According to residents, the footpath running alongside Bridlington Street had been neglected for some time, with littering becoming a regular occurrence.

Resident Nick Harvey said: “This footpath is one of the nicest walks in the village, with views to the sea contrasting with an unspoilt view of the Yorkshire Wolds.

“However, for a third of its length it runs next to and across the Scarborough Auto Grass club’s land off Bartindale Road.

“I wrote to the Public Rights of Way Unit in 2009 and 2010, but no action was taken. Others have written in subsequent years, and locals have frequently asked me why is it still so.”

In recent weeks, works to install new drainage in the area, which will in turn improve the footpath, have begun.

Network Rail has confirmed it is carrying out the works to prevent flooding on the nearby railway tracks and in order to do this, has requested a temporary six-month closure of the walk.

The most used section though, which runs from God’s Acre to the boundary of the race track, is understood to have remained open.

Mr Harvey added: “After the works are finished there will be a level surface of pea gravel – a great improvement on the uneven path where drainage grips have been dug to let water run off into the railway cutting.”

The hope is that once works are completed, more people will use the path. Mr Harvey says he has been out collecting bags of rubbish, cutting up a fallen tree and trimming back the hedge encroaching on the path to make it more inviting.

He added: “While in the longer term it would be sensible for the footpath to be diverted around the field boundary so that it does not conflict with the grass track operational area, after Network Rail works are completed it is vital to have a clearly marked route to encourage people to enjoy this pleasant walk without hindrance.”