WORK has temporarily been suspended on constructing a section of the new Newbold Comyn cycle trails due to “ecological concerns”.
Construction work began on the cycle trails – on a small section of the former golf course – last month.
The aim of the project is to provide a safe place for families to cycle and has been made possible thanks to a £423,500 grant from Sport England and British Cycling through the Places to Ride fund. Additional funding is being provided from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
But work has been shelved, for the time being, on a section of the trail and Warwick District Council’s appointed ecology team are leading investigations. The relevant regulatory body has also been engaged.
What the “ecological concerns” consist of has not been revealed.
WDC Leader, Coun Andrew Day, said: “Works in this beautiful and ecologically important area must be carried out with the utmost care. Our contractors are taking appropriate steps to protect the local ecology, and I’m pleased that the checks and balances that have been put in place are proving the required protection measures.”
Following consultation with the appointed ecologists, permission has been given to continue work on the other areas of the Newbold Comyn cycle trails site.
A further update will be provided following the outcome of the investigation.
Once completed, the cycle trails will be completely free to use and will eventually be supported by a cycling hub in the former golf shop to provide cycle hire facilities, a café, and toilets. The hub will bring an important listed building on the site back in to use, preserving and improving its character and condition.
