South West Durham Heritage Corridor Link

Trailblazer members need to act NOW !

The South West Durham Heritage Corridor Link could have great implications for developing cycle routes around Hamsterley, if we lobby for them.

The plan is to link West Auckland and Barnard Castle by turning the old railway line into a new bridleway. This is turn, would be linked to other villages and attractions eg Hamsterley along the route. It also includes proposals to develop 'Heritage' and 'Nature' projects in the vicinity. The whole lot will go forward as a bid for Heritage Lottery and other funding (about £6 million funding bid.)

Hamsterley has some a good historical and industrial heritage (going right back to medieval times with the Prince Bishops, iron smelting, water mills, drovers road, POW background etc.) It also obviously has fantastic nature project potential... What better way to see and appreciate it than having some really good cycle routes through it all?

If you agree, please email comments and support as per this document, or better still, go to the meeting on 19th September at Cockfield School (presentations start at 4pm and 6.30pm) and let your views be known.

If we don't say anything, all the money will go towards footpaths and horse riding...

Vicky Chilcott, Secretary