Updated: May 2025
After various recent projects on the National Cycle Network in and around Derby, only one location with A-frame barriers remains on the local NCN. There are other restrictions (e.g. sharp bends, pinch points, etc.) but none as restrictive (and impossible for some users) as A-frame barriers.
This location is by the Paddock Pub where the southern end of the Breadsall Greenway meets Mansfield Road (NCN 672).
Removing restrictions in the Paddock area would open up an 18 mile route that is almost all off road and with no very restrictive barriers. This would allow cycling from the northern end of the Breadsall Greenway (Lime Lane) to the end of the Cloud Trail (near to Worthington). The only on road sections are Old Mansfield Road (about 200 metres), Penalton Close (very quiet) and the bridge over the A50 near to Breedon (where the pavement could be used). See here for a map of the route.
Almost all of the original A-frames on the Breadsall Greenway were removed during 2024 by Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service with support from Sustrans. However, the Paddock location falls within the City Council boundary and, hence, wasn’t included in the removal plans.
Subsequently, DCG have been pressing Derby City Council to remove this one remaining barrier location on the NCN within Derby. Councillor Carmel Swan has been responsive and has asked the relevant Council officers to investigate further.
There was some confusion as to the responsibility for maintenance of this section of the Greenway. It was originally all built by Derbyshire (even the bit wihtin Derby City) but, after some investigation, DCG find that there was an agreement for Derby City (Transport and Highways) to maintain the section within Derby City (including the remaining barrier).
Work is also needed at this location to cut back encroaching trees and to also make repairs to the greenway surface (some cutting back is now completed – late May 2025). The existing gate is also rotting and, while there is a new signpost, there is no signage! Maintenance effort is needed to make the barrier area safe and it would probably be easy to include the barrier removal within the maintenance plans.
In April 2025, DCG accompanied the local Sustrans Network Planning manager (responsible for the national cycle network in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire). He was astonished at just how bad the maintenance by Derby City was (basically there had been none).
After 6 months, Derby City Council have confirmed that the removal of this barrier hasn’t been included in the 2025-2026 schedule of works. Any future inclusion in work plans will require support from the local ward councillors and DCG have spoken with Councillor Hudson who is supportive of removal.
Readers can assist in making progress by encouraging their elected representatives to address this restriction to wider use of the greenway.