Funding for road 'spent on active travel' instead

A councillor has said that residents of a village are "frustrated" after hearing that money from housing developers that was earmarked for road improvements was instead spent on active travel schemes.

Harworth Estates, who built 325 homes on the former North Gawber Colliery site in 2015, agreed to pay Barnsley Council more than £77,000 for work to Swallow Hill Road in Mapplewell.

However, at a meeting last week, councillor Stephen Hunt asked why the scheme was no longer "on the table" despite the road's condition deteriorating since the estate was finished.

Councillor James Higginbottom, Cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said the route would be considered for improvements in a 2025 maintenance programme.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the council confirmed that the developer's contribution had been spent on active travel instead, despite residents raising concerns about Swallow Hill Road, which was branded "dangerous" due to additional traffic from the new housing during the planning process.

Active travel schemes improve transport options and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Higginbottom added: "In addition, we are prioritising investment in active travel schemes in the Darton East ward, which will enhance accessibility and promote sustainable travel for our residents.

“We are committed to ensuring that our communities benefit from these improvements, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have.”

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