Harlington P3 is part of a national scheme aimed at getting local people involved in improving, managing and making decisions about rights of way in their parish.
All the parish paths were surveyed by Councillor Pete Hughes who determines what work is needed. Pete, along with other volunteers undertakes much of the work. P3 undertake clearing, repairing and building as required and liaise with CBC to ensure you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding Harlington countryside.
We have the good fortune to have excellent access to the countryside around us using the network of public footpaths (FP) and bridleways (BW). This network is maintained in a variety of ways.
Many of our footpaths run around the edges of fields. Where this is the case, we are quite lucky as our local farmers mow these regularly. Another group of paths are maintained by a Seasonal Vegetation Cut (SVC) carried out by contractors, arranged by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).
The remaining paths are cleared and maintained by P3 (a Harlington volunteer group led by Councillor P Hughes). This is facilitated by CBC providing and maintaining various power tools, and also funding and running the appropriate training for these.
Below are three downloadable walks, please keep in mind these were first published a number of years ago so it is advised that you check any opening times stated.
Wood End Trail pg 1
Wood End Trail pg 2
Wood End Trail pg 3 Map
Tinkers Trail Pg 1
Tinkers Trail Pg 2
Tinkers Trail Pg3 Map
Harlington Vale – The bottoms Pg 1
Harlington Vale – The bottoms Pg 2 Map
Harlington Vale – The bottoms Pg 3
P3 report July 14 2022
P3 have noted that this year’s SVC has begun. Noting cuts on FPs. 7, 14, & 23 and BW15.
Others may have been done but not yet checked.
FP 24, between Park Leys and the Station yard development has had an artificial surface laid from top to bottom. This has now been inspected by the planning enforcement officer from CBC, to check compliance with the planning conditions, a site meeting with Chris Nicol of CBC regarding the embankment on FP 24 took place, he and the team from CBC are looking into possible solutions and hopefully this will be addressed soon.
Cllr Hughes has had a chance to clear overhanging growth on the top part of FP 24 (Sundon Road to Oak Close).
One problem with the SVC is that the timings are somewhat flexible, depending on weather and availability of staff and equipment. This can lead to reports being made to the Clerk of overgrown paths, requesting that they be cleared. However, P3 do not want to cut a path only to find a week later it has been ‘cut’ again as part of the SVC. Therefore, we sometimes have to wait for the SVC and accept that the path will be reported again.
P3 are aware that a section of BW 5 that links to BOAT 28, both technically in Westoning parish requires some clearing. P3 have now had a chance to clear a section of BW 5 that links to BOAT 28, hopefully this will make access easier.
P3 have contacted the CBC Rights of Way officer of the area concerned, regarding flooding at the junction of FP 14 and Westoning FP 4, behind Lovetts Green. Although it is believed some work has been carried out here by Anglian Water last year, this was still flooding earlier this year. It is probable that this is part of the spring line at that end of the village.
There have also been reports of overgrowth on the top part of FP 24 (Sundon Road to Oak Close), which will be dealt with as soon as possible. Concerns are noted of the possible issue with rotting/collapsing of the retaining sleepers along this path. This matter is being investigated with the Rights of Way officer to find out what can be done about this.
Whilst the majority of FP 18 (Sundon Road between Bury Close and Kent Close) is clear, part of the SVC, the Sundon Road end is quite narrow. This will need cutting back, P3 will need to wait till later in the year in case of nesting birds.
P3 have recently been made aware of the excessive growth along the pathway between Park Leys and Pilgrims Close. This is CBC land and they have been contacted regarding this growth. As this is technically ‘Highways’ they are making a site visit soon, and we await developments. Although outside the remit of P3, Councillor Harris and myself recently cleared excess growth of the hedge obscuring the Sundon Road speed warning sign.
Ideally the hedges on both sides require cutting back along their entire length to improve visibility along this stretch of road. This is likely to be the responsibility of the landowners concerned, CBC Highways have been contacted and hope that they will write to the owners reminding them of their obligations.
Councillor Pete Hughes (P3 Co-ordinator)