Category Listing: News

News relating to Portsmouth CTC. Note that the large majority of news items are available only to members. To see them log in to the site.

Billy Trail closure

5 November 2015NewsAndy Henderson

I've received this from Steve Mountain, the chap who is managing the repair work to the Billy Trail...

The Trail will be closed south of the Oysterbeds / Esso car park for up to 3 weeks to allow repairs to be undertaken to a section of the Trail damaged by storms in 2014.

P T Contractors from Southampton have been appointed to carry out the works which will see 110m of timber revetment built to protect eroding clay banks alongside the popular Trail. After the works are complete, temporary fencing which has been erected to prevent users for getting too close to the sheer drop into the Harbour can be removed. The works are funded by Hampshire County Council.

The closure is to allow heavy lorries and other plant to access the working site safely. Whilst recognising the temporary inconvenience the closure will cause, the public are asked to be patient and to respect the closure which is after all for their protection.

I've heard from various sources that the work is due to start on 16^th November.

This won't, however, be the end of the erosion problems. Instead, the work will restore the protection to the same as it was before the 2014 storms. We can expect the problems to return over time.

Warblington cycle track

19 October 2015Campaign update, NewsPast Member

Hi folks.

I just thought I would tell you about the new cycle track from the Billy Line to Warblington school.

It is a nice smooth surface with only a little bit missing at the moment. As yet it has no cycle track markings and there is no dropped curb at the school end (which might be dangerous) so you have to ride on the footpath if going north and meld into the traffic as you cross the rail track. If going south you still have to use the footpath to meet up with the cycle track to Emsworth which is across the road from the school. Maybe there will be some markings when they have completely finished it.

If the rail barrier is down when getting to the north end of the Billy Line it may be quicker to use this cycle lane as you only have to wait for one set of trains at Warblington and not two as you have to at New Lane.

Pop

Recreating history

21 August 2015General interest, NewsAndy Henderson

Here are the two versions of the photo (the later one was taken on Wednesday 19th August 2015). Click either image to see a larger version...

Staunton Country Park update

24 July 2015Campaign update, NewsMike Ashton

Here's an update on progress at Staunton Country Park provided by Hampshire County Council:

If you fancy getting active this summer and exploring the great outdoors, why not try out the new Green Grade mountain bike trail at Staunton Country Park. The 7km trail, suitable for beginners or novice cyclists, begins at Staunton Country Park and includes part of Havant Thicket (land managed by the Forestry Commission).

New map boards, showing the entire route, are now in place around the Park and paper copies will soon be available free of charge from the Staunton Visitor Centre.

Upgrades to the three existing walking trails have also been made, making it even easier for people to get out and enjoy the countryside!

Sheet level crossing

3 July 2015Campaign update, NewsMike Ashton

On local TV news on 23^rd June there was an item about Network Rail’s intent to hold a “referendum” of local residents. Reportedly, they are to be asked to choose between the level crossing being replaced by a footbridge (no mention of cycling), and the level crossing being closed with no replacement at all; NR would use the result of the referendum as input to discussions with local government.

Parents of children at the adjacent primary school are objecting to the retention of the present half barrier crossing.

If cyclists views are to be considered it would be wise to obtain the views of cyclists living in the Petersfield area.

Continue reading →

Butser Cutting update

11 May 2015Campaign update, NewsMike Ashton

Raymond Brown Construction Ltd is building Sections 1, 3, 4 and 5. Since Tuesday 5th May it has been setting up the site offices and mobilising materials ready for main works to start today (11th May).

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Right-to-Ride Roundup

24 April 2015Club business, NewsRobert Sebley

Unfortunately due to technical difficulties my Right-to-Ride article did not appear in the latest May to July edition of the Pedal. So instead here it is: RTR Magazine Article -Apr15 V2 .

Issues regarding the Meon Valley Trail

9 April 2015Campaign update, NewsAndy Henderson

There have been several articles in the press and on TV attacking the Meon Valley Trail project. These articles have contained incorrect and misleading information resulting in unfair criticism of the project and those involved including Portsmouth CTC's Jim Weeks and Mike Ashton who provided (and continue to provide) considerable, useful input to the project.

This article corrects some of the false assertions that have been flying around...
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Meon Valley Trail progress

7 April 2015Campaign update, NewsAndy Henderson

Work is progressing on the Meon Valley Trail. Looks like we'll have a new route come the summer. You can read the latest at:

David Deane's blog - David is the Cycling Projects Officer associated with the MVT project; click the 'continue' links to see the full blog postings including some fascinating pictures
The Hampshire CC web site

Continue reading →

Hayling Ferry company enters administration

31 March 2015NewsAndy Henderson

I understand the company that runs the Hayling Ferry has gone into administration. According to the company’s Twitter account, service is closed.

There’s still some hope the service will return if:

Another company buys the company or some of its assets
One of the councils takes it on
An entirely new service is created in place of the old one

That would seem to require renegotiation of either the controversial pontoon fees, a subsidy from Portsmouth City Council (which withdrew its subsidy last year) or both. That leaves little scope for a return in the short term.

That’s sad news because it disrupts National Cycle Network route 2 which relies on the Ferry. The obvious alternate route (across Farlington Marshes and down Eastern Road) by-passes Hayling Island altogether.