Decisions

Key issues resulting from the consultation and the responses to them are:

The removal of several trees to widen the path; These will be replaced at a ratio of two to one with new semi mature trees.
The improvement to the path along the Middleway will attract anti-social behaviour; There is evidence that when a path is improved and attracts more use it can decrease the incidents of anti-social behaviour by increasing natural surveillance.
There will be conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists; The path will be widened, and a demarcation line, tactile paving, logos, signage and bollards will segregate pedestrians and cyclists. This is a common arrange throughout the Country and fully accords with the provisions of LTN/20. It represents an improvement on the connecting shared pedestrian and cycle routes running through Sandwell Valley

As can be seen, it is considered that the principle causes for concern raised by respondents opposed to the scheme can be mitigated through the design. Therefore, they are not considered to be sufficiently serious as to warrant retaining the ‘on carriageway’ route that currently exists when weighed against the considerable improvements to the active travel provision in this area that derive from implementing the off-carriageway route through the Middleway.

That approval is given to construct phase 2 of the proposed upgraded cycle route between Europa Avenue and Sandwell Valley via Middleway Path.