HILTON GREENWAY OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
A new Greenway walking and cycle route through the heart of Hilton Village has been officially opened by developer St. Modwen and South Derbyshire District Council.
The Greenway provides Hilton residents and visitors with an attractively landscaped new 750 metre pedestrian and cycle route linking to the village’s existing Greenway, connecting The Mease and Egginton Road while also joining with wider public routes including the National Cycle Route 54, The Great North Greenway and White Peak Loop.
Part of the wider Greenway Strategy for South Derbyshire District, the Greenway has been designed and constructed by regeneration specialists St. Modwen, working in conjunction with South Derbyshire District Council and Hilton Parish Council to deliver a sustainable transport route through the village.
Jonathan Green, development surveyor for St. Modwen commented: “As a responsible developer, we are always looking for ways in which we can enhance the communities in which we work and this Greenway provides an attractive and eco-friendly new route by foot or cycle through Hilton. Having participated in a charity cycle ride from Lands’ End to John O’Groats earlier this year, I understand how important valued dedicated cycle routes like this are to local communities in providing safe and enjoyable cycling experiences. I hope this Greenway will encourage residents of all ages to explore this safe, attractive and car-free route whether for healthy commuting, keeping fit or the general enjoyment of the great outdoors.”
Councillor Neil Atkin, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council added: “I am delighted to see this new Greenway open to the public. It is a fantastic new route through the heart of Hilton, connecting residents to the village’s main facilities via a safe and sustainable off-road route. Up to 17,000km of Greenways are currently being created or planned across England and we are delighted to have one right here in Hilton, allowing users not only to explore the local community safely but also to discover and explore wider public networks such as the National Cycle Route.”
Alongside a recycled tarmac toptrek cycle/walking surface, the Greenway is bounded by over 25 different species of trees, shrubs and hedgerows, newly planted to enhance and encourage the growth of wider ecologies along the route. Existing habitats, including wild herb species and historic hedgerows have also been carefully preserved along Greenway, ensuring a careful marrying of past and present.
