Users of the Mickleover Greenway (NCN 54/68 from Mickleover to Etwall) will know well the totally pointless six gates that stop progress along the route. At three points there were 2 sets of gates labelled with “please shut the gate”. At each of these points there were also private gates to the fields on each side to restrict access to livestock (thereby making the gates on the route pointless!).
These gates were frustrating to me and many other users of the route but also restricted access from some people unable to negotiate the gates.
After many years of pointing out how pointless these gates were, I’m pleased to report that the large gate at each point has been locked back to a new retaining post and users of the Greenway can proceed through without any obstruction. There has also been some work on flattening the surface around the gates for safer passage.
When the farmers need to move livestock they’ll be able to close the locked-back gates temporarily.
Thanks are due to the Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service who have undertaken the work, to the neighbouring landowners (for their support for the change), and to Sustrans who provided the funds for the new “retaining” posts. Particular thanks to Mark Haslam and James Hatchett of the Countryside Service (agreement with farmers and doing the work), and Joss Winter and Snow Wang of Sustrans (handling the paperwork and funding). Mavis Ratcliffe – Sustrans volunteer ranger – was very helpful in providing contact and background information about the local farmers. I claim credit for pushing for this for many years and bringing the various parties together.
A note of caution to those with mobility needs or non conventional transport – the A frames and horse steps for access to the Greenway remain as obstructions (e.g. at Mickleover Station and Egginton Junction). I understand the Countryside Service also hope to remove these over time but no timescales set.
Well done to all involved – now to get rid of all the other pointless barriers around Derby!