Messages are welcome on any subject relating to Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve; the surrounding area of St George and Crews Hole or any of Bristol's Parks and Green Spaces.
Friends of Troopers Hill Forum - www.friends-forum.org.uk
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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 8) |
| Author | Comment |
Rob
 Dec 18, 06 - 9:32 PM |
Wheelchair Path
As we discussed at the AGM the long awaited wheelchair path will soon be completed by Bristol Parks. We want everyone to be able to visit Troopers Hill and to admire the wonderful views. The path will therefore comply with the latest standards. It will have a firm surface and will be 1.8m wide except where the surface features make this impossible. Bristol Parks' delay in completing the path, which has been funded by YANSEC and was due to be completed by August, has been a big disapointment, but I think the end result will have been worth the wait. |
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Roger
Dec 20th, 2006 - 8:04 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
Not to forget that it will be handy for buggy/pram use too. Bit wider than many might have liked, but rules exist. Be nice to see it finished. |
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Rob
Jan 11th, 2007 - 12:47 PM |
Re: Re: Wheelchair Path
The path seems to have been further delayed by yet more discussions over the type of surface to be used. As you know the sandstone originally used didn't bind together and we ended up with a loose gravel path. Since then we have so far agreed three different surfaces and each time Bristol Parks have gone away, held more meetings and changed their minds. At the AGM I thought that gravel was going to be used of the same type as that used in Queen's Square. Now Parks are apparently considering a tarmac path with a resin bound non-slip surface of the same type as that used on the river path through Crews Hole. While I can see that this would be an ideal surface for wheelchairs and of low maintenance I have concerns as to whether it is appropriate for a Local Nature Reserve - does anyone else have any thoughts? |
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Susan
Jan 22nd, 2007 - 9:26 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
The same concerns as you plus as a regular user of the cycle/pedestrian path along the river, sections of it have become quite corrugated. We will need feedback - if this option becomes the only sensible one - on how this effect can be reduced/removed for the comfort of those using the path. |
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Ian
Feb 1st, 2007 - 1:46 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
I am totally against any form of path - it's not a Park it's a wildlife area. Given the number of concerns over bikes and motorbikes using the hill surely this will only serve to give them better access. You don't see tarmac paths on Dartmoor, Salibury Plain, the Cotswolds. If people really want to get to the hill it's perfectly accessible now. Sorry but a path no matter what material is simply taking away exactly what the hill is - wild.  
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Susan
Feb 1st, 2007 - 9:48 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
Again, it is very good to hear from you, Ian. Re. Salisbury Plain, The Cotswolds and Dartmoor, as a keen walker I have walked on the last 2 and there is plenty of access in both places for the able-bodied, particularly in terms of large stepping stones in Dartmoor, and for wheelchair access. I am less familiar with Salisbury Plain but I believe there are large numbers of tank tracks across it. Re. better access for motor-bikes - the access for motorbikes will be no better for them than it is now and I think the installation of the metal kissing gates two years ago by Bristol Parks on Troopers Hill Field have made a tremendous difference as I am sure you will agree. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep motorbikes off the hill and would encourage any sitings to be reported to the police. No, I have to report the hill is not "perfectly accessible now". An elderly person in a wheelchair with a helper, would find it very difficult to access the views from the top of the hill. What is being proposed currently is a very short path from the existing entrance from Troopers Hill Field, cutting through an area of rye grass, which is not a type of grass of great value to the Hill, as it is likely to push out the rarer types that are more attractive to invertebrates. The path would allow anyone with mobility problems to enjoy the views that those of us who are more able bodied can so easily enjoy. Can we really be so selfish as to bar friends, relatives and acquaintances from enjoying the Hill as soon as they have any physical problems? All the best and keep writing, Susan |
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Rob
Mar 23rd, 2007 - 1:20 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
This is the latest information on the path: The path will be 2.0 m wide from the gate to around the first seat. It varies after that through 1.5 - 1.2 at the pinch point by the 'cut'. There will be a stone sub-base material laid first. This will be followed by a 'Fibredec' surfacing to be laid by a specialist contractor - Colas. You can find details of Fibredek on the Colas website. Bristol Parks can't yet confirm a date for the works but they say they 'are working to achieve it as soon as possible'. |
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Liz
Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:01 PM |
Re: Wheelchair Path
Two metres wide? Gulp! and made out of Fibredec? Whatever happened to the idea of compacted chippings where the edges would be softened over time by plants? The pics on the Colas site don't look good: www.colas.co.uk and it seems they've had some probs with it in the IOW http://www.cyclewight.org.uk/cw1.htm Presumably you've got a much better idea of what the finished surface is going to look like? |
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