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PLANS for a cycleway linking Wantage with Grove have triggered concern from nearby residents about more anti-social behaviour.

A 300m cycle link could soon be built through the Willow Walk Wildlife Area completing the cycleway connection between Wantage and Grove.

The Vale of White Horse District Council said it would be submitting an application for the Willow Walk Cycle Way 'any time now'.

The cycleway would join the newly completed Mill Street to Limborough Road cycleway and the route north of the wildlife area which links Grove to Wantage.

Homeowners in Adkin Way already battling with rowdy underage drinkers and vandalism, were worried problems would become 'unbearable', because the path could become a magnet for groups of late-night pub-goers, litter and noise.

Some people in nearby Thornhill Close, Liddiard Close and Willow Walk could also be affected by the path, likely to run past their homes.

An Adkin Way pensioner, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "I think it will make the situation worse. A path past the houses would give them a legitimate right to be there and make the groups of youths difficult to move on.

"The council doesn't have the resources to keep the existing paths in order, so why do they want to create more? We have to fight this, otherwise it's going to become unbearable."

Another Adkin Way resident said: "I don't see the need for it. There is already extensive paths to and from Grove on the main road and there's one on the Denchworth Road and there could be ecological issues if it goes through the nature reserve."

Ann Young, 34, of Thornhill Close, said: "It would bring a lot more people through this cul de sac, but the safety of it is a good idea. On the other hand it might destroy part of the nature reserve and there would be problems with litter."

Residents can make comments during a consultation period which begins once the planning application is submitted, a council spokesman said.

He said a cycle route between Wantage and Grove through the wild life area had featured in the Local Plan in 2001 and 2006 and added: "There were no challenges to this proposal through either Local Plan process, therefore the link through the Willow Walk Wildlife Area is the proposed route, as it it is indicated within the plan."

Town and district councillor Jenny Hannaby said the cycleway had been an aspiration of the town for more than 20 years.

She said: "I really do think it will enhance the area and it will be a safe cycleway for people and a safe passage for children to get to school and the health centre in Mably Way."

The cycleway would be implemented by the Vale of White Horse District Council, using £40,000 secured in an agreement with housing developers Barratt Homes, although district planners could not put an estimate on the final cost of the project.

Details of the final route of the path haven't been finalised, but comments from Oxfordshire County Council, Environment Agency and Thames Valley Police would be taken into consideration, a council spokesman said.

Crime reduction officer at Wantage Police Sarah Merritt said she hoped problems would reduce if it was well used by pedestrians and cyclists and suitably lit.

A spokesman for Sustranscorr, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity said: "Well-used routes generate their own sense of security, which in turn makes them more popular."

6:07pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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