Alford Active Travel Network Plan
Client
Alford Paths Group
Sector
Active Travel / Placemaking / Behaviour Change
Location
Alford
Planning Authority
Aberdeenshire Council
Services Provided
Study Description
Appointed through our contract service framework, we provided contract lead appointed by Aberdeenshire Council through UKSIP funding https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/business-support/funding/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/ to support the Alford Paths group develop a network wide improvement plan.
The group, active in the area and passionate to improve access to the wider area seeking external funders support to allow development of new path connections and the completion of ‘missing’ links in the network that would support future connectivity between the multiple communities within the Vale of Alford. The group had a very hands-on approach to getting improvements on the ground and were ultimately seeking funding to support construction and maintenance activities.
Our Approach
The key challenge was the development of a brief that captured the ‘unknown’ service requirements of the client. The area is sizeable and criss-crossed with a well-established network of remote hill walking paths and trails. The village of Alford has a limited active travel network with a community focus on providing improvements across the village that would support everyday walking and cycling.
It became clear that the scale of the paths ambition was considerable ranging from maintenance related improvements to hills side walks to the widening of river bridges and formation of whole new surfaced adopted routes. Whilst community consultation helped shape the network, a low level of public attendance and limited feedback meant there was a lack of clarity to how the network improvements should be brought forward.
Key Successes
• Recognition that the network plan would evolve over time and the use of digital platform to present the network would support future adaptability.
• Provision of a licence free GIS software to host the project. Supporting the groups future network plan maintenance.
• Appointment of local specialist with local knowledge to undertake initial landowner engagement. Supporting a circular economy.
• Development of a strategy report and action plan to help prioritise future activities and configure the group going forward.