Image Ref : SDA 0001.tif

SDA 0001

Set of 35 images offered in February 2023, illustrating the 'Chicken Run' in Bridgetown. Sophy took these on a roll of Ilford B/W film. Totnes Times Chicken Run finally restored to former glory. Work to improve public access for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs using a popular Totnes footpath have been hailed a success. South Hams Council replaced some steps with ramps and provide others with a ramp alongside on the Chicken Run, which runs through the Bridgetown corridor. The work is being funded to the tune of £44,500 thanks to Section 106 monies from the nearby Baker Estate’s Great Court Farm development. Subject to a successful license application, the work is due to start on Tuesday January 4 2022 and is expected to take around four weeks to complete. During this time parts of the path will need to close for safety reasons but a diversion route will be clearly signposted, says the council. Before the footpath work can begin, the authority’s maintenance team will be carrying out some essential tree works from Tuesday November 30, including removing a sycamore tree which currently blocks the path, and felling an ash tree suffering from ash dieback. The team will also carry out some minor pruning of other trees to remove obstructions and hazards to walkers. Earlier this year, the soon-to-be axed trees were replaced with four new trees – a crab apple, rowan and two sweet chestnuts. Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, the council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “The proposed footpath improvement works should provide real benefits for the local community, making the route easier to access for all. “By making the Chicken Run pathway more accessible, it does mean we must remove the sycamore tree to allow the project to go ahead as it currently obstructs the way. “While it is essential this work is carried out, we are mindful it must be done in a way which respects nature and causes minimum disturbance to wildlife. “We are mindful of the bird-nesting season so we have scheduled works to take place outside of this. “To ensure we aren’t removing trees without replacing them, we have already planted four new trees.”