PLANS for a new public bridleway on the former railway line linking Bourne End to High Wycombe have been welcomed by the deputy leader of Bucks County Council.

On Wednesday, October 15, the BCC rights-of-way committee agreed to submit a bridleway order and once this is finalised, a public consultation will seek resident’s views.

For 12 years, the council has been looking to open a bridleway between the A4094 and Wooburn Green after it was closed off.

Both Bucks County Council and Wycombe District Council are involved in the plans to offer walkers, cyclists and horse riders an alternative route which would help cut out Cores End Road and Wooburn Town.

Cllr Mike Appleyard, BCC deputy leader and Cllr for The Wooburns, Bourne End and Hedsor, has backed the long-awaited proposal for a new bridleway.

He said: “I would really like it to become an area for the public to use. It would be more direct, more pleasant and easier for people.

“Previously it had been used as an area of walking, but this was closed by the land owner.

“There have been many people who want a public bridleway in this area, and I have to agree it would have a lot of benefits for this community.

“At the moment many people are walking along Cores End Road or in Wooburn Town, however, these are very narrow roads and can be quite dangerous for pedestrians, with a lot of vehicles using them.”

A public bridleway could affect a current application from a property developer who wants to build 22 houses on the former railway line.

However, these plans also include a proposal for a public bridleway, but at this point BCC say it is unclear how this would work.

Cllr Appleyard said: “There have been plans for a bridleway in place for about 12 years but it has been quite difficult because it does belong to someone who has got a planning application in for a development.”

What do you think of the proposal to place a public bridleway on the former railway line? Email your views to andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk