Current status: OPEN.
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Strategic significance: This path forms part of two of the community circuits planned by the Trust and BHS for the area: the Aldenham Parish Ride and the Shenley Parish Ride.
Photographs (taken 8 Aug 09): The following photographs illustrate the route, starting from the Radlett Lane end.
Background: Many years ago, when the plans for the redevelopment of the old Shenley Hospital into housing were first considered by Hertsmere Borough Council (as local planning authority), the master plan for the area showed a proposed bridleway round the western side of the site. Nothing happened for several years, so our Trustees set about influencing applicants for planning permissions to get the route of the bridleway specified.
Progress was slow, and depended on different sections of the land being developed. Several small sections were achived. After these successes, the route was eventually taken on by the Greenways project. Liz Drake of the Borough Council spent a couple of years trying to gain the legal agreements needed to create the path (with our encouragement, of course).
June 2007: The land owners concerned have agreed to the details of the path. The legal documents to create the bridleway are being circulated for signatures and seals. Once all the signatures and seals are in place, there will need to be some work to remove blockages and ensure access is safe for horses and riders, and then the path will open.
31 Aug 07: The deed of dedication now has all the signatures and seals. Physical work will now start!
23 May 09: After set backs requiring a variation to the legal work, tenders for the physical work have been sought, and work is due to complete by end Jun 09. Then we'll have an official opening!
7 Aug 09: The physical works for route '8' are complete, and the route has been certified as being open for use by the County Council. We will now arrange an official opening, but it can be used immediately! Route '7' on the plan has also been opened, as a permissive path for the time being.
28 Oct 09: Official opening by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Her Worship Cllr Rosemary Gilligan.
The Trust is delighted with recent progress and thanks the many who have put in a good word with appropriate land owners to help agreement to be reached.