Plans for a new bridge over the River Tillingham for pedestrians and cyclists between Tilling Green and Valley Park and the schools complex took a step forward at Monday’s Rye Town Council meeting on April 10.
Four options are currently proposed with two near the pumping station in Marley Road, which would involve an improved footpath along Butt’s Marsh (owned by Rother District Council) towards Love Lane, and two nearer Love Lane requiring a footpath across Rams Field owned by a farmer.
A 13-page feasibility study has been produced by architect Dominic Manning and Colonel Anthony Kimber and the likely cost will be about £125,000 – with £45,000 coming from the developer of Valley Park.
A large consultative group will need to be set up involving local residents, relevant landowners, the County and District Councils and other relevant bodies – particularly because of flooding, drainage and environmental issues.
Lottery funding may be available as Tilling Green is comparatively high in the list of areas suffering multiple deprivation.
Planning Committee chair Cllr Cheryl Creaser thought this “would be a good thing for the town” and former Mayor Cllr Bernardine Fiddimore said: “Anything that takes people away from traffic is a good thing.”
Photo: John Minter
