A PETITION has been launched to call on Wychavon District Council to create a network of paths around Droitwich’s Lido Park.
Alison Darbyshire and other park users want the walkways to include St Peter’s Field and Arboretum, so everyone can explore the whole area all year round.
Mrs Darbyshire told the Standard: “It is a lovely asset and should be accessible to all residents and visitors regardless of the weather.
“The pathways at the front of the park are great and are going to be widened to make them even more accessible but the rest is a nightmare.
“I push my dad around in a wheelchair and it is near impossible to do – if we had a proper circular route pathway it could be enjoyed by parents with pushchairs and people on mobility scooters, along with walkers and runners.
“It would encourage exercise and it could even host a parkrun which would bring in more visitors to the town, boosting local businesses.
“With the way it is, people are only able to enjoy a fraction of our beautiful park.”
Phil Merrick, Wychavon District Council’s director of economy and environment, said: “We have listened to park users – including Mr and Mrs Darbyshire – and have responded quickly.
“We have provided two new accessible routes into the arboretum from St Peters Fields providing a new circuit route through the park.
“We recognise that the existing tarmac path in St Peters Fields requires widening to take the heavier footfall as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and when there is prolonged wet weather.
“We have gone out to tender for the path widening works and other footpath works in Lido Park which will cost in total approximately £110,000.
“Once approval has been given we plan to start and complete these works which will last between four to six weeks prior to the summer school holidays.”
Click here to see the petition and sign.
