New cycle path approved despite objections

A path goes through the Europa Village off Europa Avenue in West Bromwich

A new cycle route linking West Bromwich town centre with Sandwell Valley Country Park has been backed by a council, despite objections.

It would join Europa Avenue and be built through Europa Village towards the country park.

The decision by Sandwell Council follows a 150-signature petition being handed to the authority against plans.

A path through Europa Avenue towards Sandwell Valley would be widened and resurfaced as part of the initiative.

It forms one part of work to build a new cycle route along West Bromwich High Street – which will see a new cycle path stretch three-quarters of a mile (1.2km) from Bull Street and along the High Street towards Roebuck Lane.

The final decision by the council comes three years after residents were first asked about the work. 

At the end of 2020, the authority asked the government if it could swap its plans for West Bromwich Town Hall to pour its efforts into building a new cycle lane through Europa Village.

The request was made as the work was being paid for using the £25m the borough was awarded as part of the government’s Towns Fund.

A path would be resurfaced

Last year, Jill Taylor, who chairs the council’s economy, skills, transport and environment scrutiny board, set up a group to determine whether a public consultation was carried out properly.

Councillors found "better communications could have been made to keep residents updated" and the lack of clarity had left them confused – but insisted the consultation had been carried out properly.

Cabinet member for highways Danny Millard said the council was committed to providing "a comprehensive network of safe, segregated cycle routes so that cycling can be a genuine option, especially for short journeys".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.