Work set to start on new £40K Melton Country Park footpath

The new walkway, which will cost around £40,000, will provide a route to and from the new Persimmon development north of the park.

It is hoped the footpath will attract more people to use the country park and the visitor facilities.

A report to go before Wednesday’s cabinet meeting states: “The construction of the path has been approved by the council and has been raised as a priority by the ward members for the last two years.

“The access path from the Persimmon estate has regularly been highlighted as being a key project that the ward members would like resolving.

“Over the last two years the regeneration team has liaised with two stakeholder groups - Friends of the Country Park and the Persimmon Estate residents group - in regards to this project.

“The access path has been highlighted a priority for completion by both groups and both groups will be informed of any progress in regards to this project.”

The work will be paid for from the Section 106 contributions from housing developments and grant funding.

However, work to refurbish the Stepping Stone Bridge in the park will be delayed because of the need to agree funding for that £40,000 scheme.

A visual structural survey has not identified any immediate threats to the structure, a report to the council states, but a full underside survey will be carried out ahead of the work hopefully being carried out in the year 2021-22.

A six-month licence to occupy the visitor centre and cafe is being discussed with Melton Space, a community workshop organisation.

The council is to spend £30,000 on a feasibility study to improve the range of leisure pursuits available on its various sites, including the country park.

These will include walking, running and cycling routes, fishing, outdoor gym, play areas and sports pitches to enhance physical and mental health and wellbeing of town residents.

Stakeholders and ward councillors will be involved in discussions for this masterplan.