Countryside Agency to repair Bucks section of Ridgeway?

By James Young – Bucks Free Press

A bumpy ride for cyclists, horse riders and walkers could soon be over as plans to improve one of Britain's oldest road gather pace. The Ridgeway National Trail, which runs through Princes Risborough, has been damaged in recent months by rain and illegal vehicles driving along it. Details of a consultation held in November, where local people expressed their views over the best way to improve the 23-mile eastern stretch of The Ridgeway, were released this week. A number of people from Risborough and Chinnor told of their anger over the poor condition of the trail at the meeting. Suggestions being considered by the Countryside Agency include the banning of vehicles along The Ridgeway and using volunteer groups to help maintain the quality of the surface.

Countryside officer Hazel Fleming said: We are hoping we will be able to repair the surface of The Ridgeway in the near future to make the experience of using it much more pleasant for people. Vehicles are allowed to use The Ridgeway at certain points but the main problems involve illegal vehicles driving on it. The Countryside Agency is looking to work with local police to stop unlicensed vehicles such as quad bikes with no number plates from disturbing the surface of the trail. Landowners could also be asked to help maintain the trail by finding alternative routes for their vehicles off the trail route.

Section Four of The Ridgeway winds its way through the Chiltern Hills from Chinnor, through Princes Risborough and Tring, ending at Ivinghoe Beacon.

It is a popular trail for walkers and forms a major part of the area's natural beauty and heritage, including the Whiteleaf Cross archaeological site.

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