Update 13 July 2010
The path to the Ashprington turnoff is now complete, but inadequate. According to Paula Black, Totnes Rural Councillor on Devon CC, the path should have been cycle path width throughout but the contractor didn't do this. Furthermore there has been trouble over the bunker construction at the Old Toll House: three concrete planters encircled with barbed wire and linked by a chain-link fence, occupying much of the width of the path. The owners of the house claim also ownership of the path. However, according to Ms Black, they don't and are obstructing a public right of way. Mr Halliday of Devon Highways will report the matter to the police. [Much earlier, in response to Tim Padfield's complaint, the police responded that it was a civil dispute and it would take no action.]
tim padfield
Tim Padfield has written to the Devon County Council, suggesting that the county highway authority make a cycle track from the junction of the Ashprington road with the Totnes western bypass A381 to the junction with Kingsbridge Hill.
This picture shows the short length of the A381 to the Ashprington turn-off which lacks a footpath.
At present the A381 lacks even a footpath for part of this stretch, where there is a footpath it is narrow, particularly outside the Old Toll House, where there is usually a car parked on the pavement.
In reply, John Halliday, the Local Service Officer in the Environment Directorate of Devon County Council has written (03/07/2005):
"I will discuss this issue with various colleagues and will certainly place your suggestion on a list of schemes for consideration in the future. Regrettably budgets for this financial year were constrained and are fully committed. It is also likely that the scheme will cost many times more than you imagine and that it will not meet the necessary priority level to be funded in the near future."
It is up to us to persuade the county council to increase the priority level. If you support this initiative, as a pedestrian or a cyclist, or a motorist who can see the danger of walking this stretch of road, please add your comment to this page, and sign it with sufficient information that Tim can contact you. Alternatively, send an email to tim@padfield.dk or phone him at 01803 732 962.