Dane Valley Improvements
Two areas of land along the south side of the Dane Valley were dedicated by developers to Congleton Borough Council. The Parish Council is discussing with the Borough Council the consequences of acquiring ownership or an option to purchase the land in the future. However, even if the land remains under the control of another authority, the Parish Council would like to improve access and use of these areas.
The first area to be dedicated in the late 1970's was on the west side of the village below Cotton Wood, running from below Moreton Drive to Ravenscroft. It is a popular area with walkers, those exercising their dogs and with nature lovers. There is a general wish to see it maintained in its natural state but kept clean and tidy. Unfortunately, the Borough Council have maintained it to a minimal standard although the area has considerable value as natural amenity land. The Parish Council would favour carrying out improvements to the existing footpaths and adding additional paths some of which should be suitable for wheelchair access. Additional seating and signage would encourage further usage.
It is a priority, therefore, for the Parish Council and the Borough Council to complete their deliberations and to resolve the management and maintenance issues for the whole of the Dane Valley area. The discussions will take into account the strategic importance of the close proximity of the Cranage Playing fields site on the other side of the Dane Valley and the possibility of linking the two by a footbridge over the River Dane.
The other area on the east side of the village and dedicated in the late 1980's runs from the rear of Danefield Road to the rear of Elm Drive, almost to the railway and is separated into two parts by the unadopted part of Hermitage Drive. The section to the west of Hermitage Drive is let for grazing and this should be continued as the most acceptable way of keeping this area well maintained. The area to the east of Hermitage Drive includes the Elm Drive play area.
There are provisions in place to prevent development of these areas and the Parish Council intends to see that these are maintained and enforced.
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At the January 2008 Parish Council meeting a report was presented - "Proposals for Improvements to the Dane Valley Public Access Area in Holmes Chapel" - and the recommendations approved by the Council. The recommendations are:
- The Parish Council should endeavor to enter into an agreement with the local Authority on an option to purchase the land within the next five years.
- The outline scheme should be agreed with CBC and Cranage Parish Council (for bridge related work) and estimates obtained for carrying out the work to complete the infrastructure. In addition maintenance costs should be estimated.
- The Parish Council should carry out a consultation within the village. This will involve describing the plan in the Parish Council Newsletter and preparing a display for use in the library. Consultation should include user groups such as dog walkers and fishermen.
- Once consultation is complete and, if necessary, the costs revised, applications should be made for funding from grant organizations, local authorities and other bodies