Footpath plan backed to end Shrewsbury Dana Steps dispute

Shrewsbury Civic Society has written to Shropshire Council to express its support for a proposal to create a new footpath to bypass the Dana Steps.

In a letter Mike Carter, chairman of Shrewsbury Civic Society's planning committee said any drawbacks of the scheme were outweighed by the needs of local residents.

He said: "We understand that the first suggestion for a similar routing of this footpath was made by this society in an effort to ease the situation of many living in the Castlefields area.

"Over many years the plans have had several changes but mostly entailing some use of the horticultural society's land. This has been unacceptable to them

"The last application was also unacceptable for heritage reasons. Consequently, we are very pleased to see and support a plan that overcomes previous difficulties."

However, the committee has questioned whether a gate is needed.

The letter states: "Out committee did wonder about the necessity of having a gate. It could be that unforeseen difficulties arise from open all hours access and so a gate may be needed. However, its monitoring, opening and closing will need to be managed and we presume that this has been fully considered."

Shropshire Council has submitted the planning application for the footpath that would bypass the steps.

If it is given the green light, the plan would resolve long-running access issues for the elderly, people with disabilities, and parents with pushchairs, wishing to go from Castle Gates onto the Dana footpath.

The plan has been at the centre of a disagreement between the Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Horticultural Society, which withdrew its own proposal for a footpath earlier this year.

The latest proposal has been drawn up in partnership with the town council which has set aside £50,000 for the scheme.