Highlighted projects

Sheppey Cycling Project (CAIP Objective N3)

This project aims to deliver two cycle routes on the Isle of Sheppey resulting in 18.5km of promoted cycle routes. This is a significant step towards long term aspirations to increase cycling on the island for increased tourism opportunities and the health and well-being of residents. To find out more, view the project brochure.

Update - August 2010

On 26 July 2010 construction of a brand new 9km circular cycle route around Sheerness started (see project brochure).

An initial six week work programme began with links from St Edwards School, Rose Street School & Seashells Childrens’ Centre, Richmond Primary School, West Minster Primary School and the Isle of Sheppey Academy (Sheerness campus) to the main circuit around Sheerness.

When these school links are complete and planning permission granted, work will begin to construct the cycle path along Queenborough Lines (known locally as the ‘Canal Bank’). This will include building a Toucan crossing at Halfway Road. Upon completion, line markings and signage works will bring the project to a close in March 2011. 

A second circuit route is due to be built linking Leysdown-on-Sea to the Isle of Harty, with an additional circular route around Harty. Construction of this 9.5km route is due to commence in the autumn of 2010 and completion due in the following spring with signage and line markings.

Destination signs (CAIP Objective M2)

Research from the Countryside Access Improvement Plan identified a need for more informative signposts on public rights of way. New destination signposts are currently being installed on a trial basis.

The new signposts carry useful information such as distance to a church or school. Parish councils in Kent are being given the opportunity to fund new and improved signposts in their parishes at a cost of £35 each.

The new signposts will be installed by the county council after the destination sign order form (Word, 26k) has been received and the request has been agreed. Once the form has been completed or if you have any questions or require any further information, please email the Countryside Access Improvement Plan Officer at caip@kent.gov.uk.

Countryside Access Design Standards (CAIP Objective M1)

A series of Design Standards have been produced to assist landowners and Countryside Agencies in raising the quality of access furniture (e.g. gates, bridges and stiles) across the county. The information sheets have been sent out to the main organisations responsible for access management in Kent.

The standards, based on the British Standard, are designed to improve the accessibility, enjoyment and safety of the Kent countryside.

New public footpath opened to Palmarsh School

Pupils and parents braved the weather to join local residents in celebrating the opening of a new public footpath and community link to the school. Kent County Council Member of the Regulation Committee Chris Capon performed the ribbon cutting to mark the opening.

The path over Kent County Council land has been established around the school grounds to create a valuable pedestrian short cut, making walking between a local housing estate and the main village and school, much easier.

KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste David Brazier, said:
“Kent County Council’s Countryside Access Service has established this public footpath. It makes it easier for people to move around between their homes and other parts of the community.”

Launch of Kent's Countryside Access Improvement Plan

On 28 April 2008, Kent County Council's Countryside Access Improvement Plan was launched by Paul Carter, the Leader of the Council, and Peter Gilroy, the Chief Executive.

The launch was supported by over 50 representatives from a wide range of organisations who had time to ask questions and network, whilst enjoying locally produced food.