Work starts on new Saffron Walden Common path as next part of R4U programme to improve resident access and safety

Work has started on a new pedestrian path down the west side of Saffron Walden Common as part of R4U’s ongoing programme at Saffron Walden Town Council to improve access and safety around the town.

Paul Gadd (R4U)

Cllr Paul Gadd, R4U leader at Saffron Walden Town Council said “The new path will run down the west side of The Common and will also have a side spur just below the Ashdon Rd mini-roundabout to allow pedestrians to cross Common Hill more safely. The benches are also being positioned further away from the road. As well as allowing much safer crossing points, the new path will complete a circuit of paths around The Common – a number of groups including the disabled, occupational health and runners have been asking for this since the Town Council installed the very well-received multi-function path across the bottom of The Common last year.”

The new path will run up along the side of Common Hill

Paul Gadd continued “We want to ensure that Saffron Walden remains a great place to live, visit, and work – but it doesn’t happen by accident; that’s why R4U’s improvement and refurbishment programmes are important. In 2015 we surveyed the town and identified a list of over 70 cost-effective improvements, which were prioritised using a residents’ survey. Improving the safety of the crossing at the top of Common Hill was one of the principal issues identified, but Essex County Council has continually failed to act on it, so we’ve stepped in on behalf of residents. We expect the works to be completed this year.”

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About Residents for Uttlesford

Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. Formed in 2014 by a number of residents’ groups, the party believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties.

R4U leads Uttlesford District Council (UDC). It is the fastest growing local political movement in its district. In its first election in 2015 it became the second party at UDC. In 2017 it solidified its position with a further by-election gain with 60% of the vote. In the May 2019 Local Elections R4U gained majority control of UDC winning two-thirds of the seats. The result delivered the biggest loss of seats by any UK Conservative controlled council in the UK.

R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for their area.

R4U also leads Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards, including the best run council in Essex. It is a minority party on Great Dunmow Town Council.

Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.

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