News: Outdoor enthusiasts back Waverley

Plans to bring 25 kilometres of new and restored footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways will deliver real and sustained benefits for the surrounding communities of Sheffield and Rotherham, say riders and ramblers. Representatives from Harworth Estates (UK COAL's property arm) and Richard Pett from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC), met with outdoor enthusiasts to explain the site's public access proposals. John Harker, chairman of the Rotherham Local Access Forum (LAF), said: "UK COAL and RMBC are to be commended for the work being carried out on the public access proposals. "This is an exciting prospect which will eventually deliver real and sustained benefits for the surrounding communities and for visitors from further afield. It will also help deliver government targets for sustainable transport and public health." Ken Whetter, member of the Rotherham group of the Ramblers' Association (RA), said: "It is important all local residents and cyclists, horse riders and walkers will be able to easily access these new facilities and to ensure footpaths and access routes from all the neighbouring areas are linked up. The plans clearly show the thought and consideration that has gone into the re-development of the site." Sue Anderson, director designate for Harworth Estates, said: "All these groups gave their time to see the plans and see the potential of what can be achieved on the site. If planning permission is granted, Waverley will be a development Sheffield and Rotherham will be proud of in years to come."
Waverley Community website
Rotherham