A NEW way forward has been found to protect a much-loved riverside path near a Severn Valley Railway (SVR) station which has been under threat of closure.
The path runs along SVR’s land between Country Park Halt near Highley and Hampton Loade station.
While the SVR owns the land, it did not have the resources to maintain the route itself.
However, Highley Parish Council has agreed to take responsibility for maintaining the route after the previous funding arrangements between Sustrans and Shropshire Council ended in December 2024 due to a lack of financial resources.
The route forms part of Route 45 on the National Cycle Network and had been under threat of closure, with public access potentially being removed and the path blocked.
The announcement follows 18 months of discussions and negotiations between the SVR and Highley Parish Council.
The origins of the route date back to 2004, when Shropshire Council took out a 20-year lease on SVR land to create this section of National Cycle Network Route 45 between Country Park Halt and Hampton Loade station.
The path was later maintained by Sustrans under a separate agreement with Shropshire Council.
Chris Bond, the SVR’s Head of Infrastructure, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Highley Parish Council has stepped forward to help secure the future of this popular route.
“The path is a valued local amenity and an important attraction for visitors to the area, but unfortunately maintaining it was beyond the resources available to the Railway.
“We are extremely grateful to the Parish Council for the time, effort and commitment they have shown over the past 18 months in developing a practical solution.
“Their willingness to take on responsibility for maintenance has enabled us to find a way of keeping the route open while satisfying the necessary insurance and safety requirements.
“This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation and shared commitment to the local community.
“Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, this valuable riverside route can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.”
