Walking track work improves accessibility

Improvements to a stretch of a popular walking track between two villages in North Yorkshire have been completed.

The latest phase of a £700,000 scheme aimed to improve accessibility to a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) section of the Cinder Track between Burniston and Cloughton, near Scarborough.

The Cinder Track follows a disused railway line and runs for 21 miles (33km) between Scarborough and Whitby.

North Yorkshire Council and the Sustrans charity, which promotes walking and cycling, said the project was funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The Burniston to Cloughton scheme continues work to make the path more accessible in line with a restoration plan drawn up in 2018 and follows similar work on other parts of the track.

Councillor Keane Duncan said they were "very proud" of the improvements made.

"The feedback from locals and visitors alike has been extremely positive, with this major investment allowing more people than ever before to enjoy the beauty of North Yorkshire's coast."

The route has been improved with a new surface, which is a mix of recycled rubber from vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate that forms a hard wearing surface.

Barriers, which had made it harder for some people to access the track, have also been removed.

Joanne Brannan, who lives in Burniston with her daughter who is a wheelchair user, said the path had been "improved for everyone".

"The Cinder Track was very uneven and treacherous before the improvements, and it was difficult with the wheelchair and children's bikes.

"Since it has been improved, everyone can enjoy the walk. It is so much better now, and we feel safer from trip hazards."

Sustrans north of England director, Rosslyn Colderley, said the track was one of the most scenic routes on the National Cycle Network.

"It links communities between Whitby and Scarborough, and is a popular path for people on foot, bike or horse.

"These improvements help to make it easier for people to use the route, which is part of our wider ambition to make the National Cycle Network accessible to everyone."

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