Upgrade for path in Torrington

Cyclists and walkers can now benefit from improvements to a path on the Commons in Torrington that runs alongside the River Torridge.

Work has been completed to clean and fix the surface of part of Rolle Road between the old creamery site in Taddiport and the Tarka Trail at the Puffing Billy. Using recycled road planings, Devon County Council has filled in some of the worst parts of the traffic free section and cleaned back the old mud and debris on the route.

It follows approval from the Torrington Commons Conservators to allow cyclists along this path which is part of the former Rolle Canal and still suffers from very damp sections after spells of rain.

Re-using the road planings for the surface is a cost-effective way of enabling the worst sections of the path to be repaired and new signage directs all users to share this path.

The County Council and Conservators are continuing with discussions to achieve further improvements along the remainder of the route.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “These improvements by the County Council have made this path more suitable for walkers and cyclists and it has ensured that the recycled road planings have been put to good use. Hopefully the upgraded surface for this traffic-free route will encourage more people to choose active travel for short local journeys which will benefit their health and the environment. Our thanks go to the Torrington Commons Conservators for allowing permission for cyclists to use this path and I’m sure it will be well used.”

Councillor Andrew Saywell, County Councillor for Torrington Rural, said: “I’m pleased we have seen these improvements made to the Rolle Road, which are a key part in securing a pedestrian and cycle link between Great Torrington and the Tarka Trail. I am grateful to the Commons Conservators for allowing these works to take place. I look forward to the County Council and the Conservators continuing to work together so that improvements can be made to the remaining sections of the Rolle Road which I hope will coincide with the long awaited regeneration of the old Dairy site by Taddiport.”

Cyclists will be able to use this path to link to and from the Tarka Trail to Taddiport and Great Torrington. However, users should be aware that the route will remain damp during some weeks of the year.