Eltham South councillor Adam Thomas attended a workshop event last night, held with Hyder Consulting to consider proposals for new cycle Greenways in Avery Hill Park.  Also at the meeting were representatives of the parks Department, cycling officers and representatives of the Avery Hill Park Friends Group.

A number of options were presented including options for a north/south route, an east/west route and a circular route.

key considerations that were raised in the meeting were:

• No trees should be removed and a tree management plan needed to be implemented
• Consultants needed to consider the safe exit of cyclists onto Sparrows Lane
• Careful consideration needed to be given to how the new Greenways would be shared between pedestrians and cyclists, with particular attention to safety
• Certain parts of the park which have wildlife and historical value should be untouched
• Existing pathways should be used wherever possible, such as Butterfly Lane
• Existing tracks used by dog walkers should be retained and not be affected by new greenways
• The rural character of the park needed to be maintained
• Lighting should not be intrusive and sensor activated lights should be considered
• surfacing should be sensitive to the surroundings and may need to change depending on the route and the areas of the park it will affect.

Following the workshop Hyder consulting, acting on behalf of the Greenwich Council will now develop more detailed plans of the routes towards the end of March for another consultation session with local residents.

Cllr Thomas said: "These proposals are still in the very early stages and I would encourage all residents to come forward with their ideas.  We want to ensure that existing users are not detrimentally affected and it's important that the park.  However we also want to encourage new users to the park and create a safe environment for everyone to enjoy."

If residents do have views please send them into Nuala Geary the Chair of Friends of Avery Hill Park on averyhillpark@hotmail.co.uk