Bedford Borough Council should do all it can to allow local residents to access the new Western Bypass country park, according to Bromham & Biddenham, Cllr Roger Rigby.
The park, which is adjacent to the new road, will consist of some 40,000 square metres of meadows, planting and pond areas.
Following the road’s completion, Cllr Rigby would like residents to be able to enjoy the new country park earlier than planned. He said:
‘The country park is not due to open until 300 houses are delivered which will be some years hence. Yet the footpaths, the meadow and the ponds are in place. I recognise there needs to be the provision of a footbridge from the new housing development on the other side of the Bypass and the formal development of car parking spaces. I understand that planting will take place later this year and that the Borough Council, which partly owns the site with the developer, is discussing future management plans.
‘It would be really great if local people were able to enjoy some limited access much sooner. I hope the Council will succeed in discussions with the developers to allow access earlier than the provision of 300 houses, particularly if the housing market should slow down.
‘Finishing on a historical note, this area includes the site where, we believe, in August 1914 soldiers of the Highland Division, who were billeted in Bedford before going to France, formed before being reviewed by King George V who had travelled by special train to Bedford.’