Five-year wait for DIRFT footpath

A PATH for pedestrians and cyclists will be built along Crick Road amid growing concern for pedestrians who walk along narrow grass verges between Hillmorton and the fast-growing Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

But it could be five years before it is ready, during which time expansions to DIRFT and the development of the former BT masts site are expected to make the road busier.

Responding to an appeal from MP Mark Pawsey, a Warwickshire County Council spokesman said the council recognised the need for a path on Crick Road, despite “low evidence” of current pedestrian use of the grass verge.

“With growth in the area resulting from the expansion of DIRFT and the development on the mast site, this need will increase,” he said.

“In recognition of that, the developer of the mast site has agreed to fund a three metre wide cycleway/footway along Crick Road between Moors Lane and DIRFT.”

However, he added that the developer is only required to complete the path by the time that 650 homes on the mast site have been occupied.

“This will take three to four years of development and it is perhaps 12-18 months before development will begin,” the council spokesman said. “I anticipate therefore that it will be about five years before the footway/cycleway is in place.”

Mark Pawsey appealed to the county council to install the footpath to protect people who walk to and from work.

Mr Pawsey said: “DIRFT is still growing and many more Rugby residents will soon join the many hundreds already employed in the area, so it is essential that the authorities act now to prevent any unnecessary accidents on the road.

“It was clear when I visited the area that people are walking along the very narrow grass verges on Crick Road very close to passing traffic.”

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