Work commenced in January on the construction of a new footway along the B3115 Hook Hill which will provide a vital pedestrian link between Timsbury village and the small community of Meadgate.

The scheme was initiated back in 2006 following strong representations by local residents, Ward and Parish Councillors who believe it will be of great benefit to residents of both communities who wish to access the local shops, Community Centre, farm shop and other amenities in the area.

A number of options and possibilities were considered before the final proposal for the scheme emerged. The possibility of providing the new footway inside the existing hedgerow was one option although additional private land would have been necessary. Due to the limited available public highway land, the preferred solution was to remove part of the existing hedgerow (approximately 155m long) and to replant a new one next to the new footway.

Consultations
A hedge survey was undertaken to identify the number of species located within the hedge which is a requirement under the Hedgerows Act. Also, a 170m strip of private land had to be dedicated as public highway, a process that involved extensive consultations between the landowners and the Council’s Legal Team.

Due to the initial environmental impact that the new scheme will have in the area, 170m of hedge has been cut down and shredded and as a result of the hedge survey that was carried out, a new native mixed broadleaved hedge will be planted. This will lie between a new post and rail fence and a stock proof wire fencing, which will prevent stock from damaging the new hedge. Three new ash trees will also replace an old one which was in the path of the new footway and had to be removed.

Further information:
www.bathnes.gov.uk/roadsafety
e-mail: road_safety@bathnes.gov.uk