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October 2009 Loose Valley project halted After much consultation, research and deliberation, Loose Amenities Association will not now be building a new all weather footpath through a section of the Loose Valley, it has been announced. The project, which last year was awarded a grant of £57,500 from National Lottery Funded 'The People's Millions'*, was to improve the footpath through the section of the valley owned by Loose Amenities Association, making it firmer underfoot in winter and more accessible to people with disabilities, pushchairs etc. The amount awarded will not now be accepted. "It is a beautiful area and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it" said project manager and newly appointed chairman Terry Davis. "However, disabled access regulations required that the path should be two metres wide, constructed of a firm, permanent surface and for safety reasons have handrails, ramps and decking constructed along some sections. In addition, if we were to follow the existing footpath, a large number of mature trees would need to be felled. The committee thought long and hard about the impact such extensive work would have, which was not apparent at the time of the original decision to proceed, and after much debate made the decision not to go ahead." This decision was endorsed by the Association's AGM on 13 October 2009. To improve conditions underfoot LAA will instead consider installing land-drains and erecting footbridges or boardwalks over the numerous springs and streams which are characteristic of the area. Plans are already in hand to introduce native wildflowers back into the meadows. "We want to involve the wider community in conserving and caring for the area and we're looking forward to working with other groups along the length of the valley to make sure our children and our children's children can enjoy this beautiful area for many years to come'" Terry concluded.
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