A505 Councillors call for access route to Ivy Farm Bridge

A505 councillors call for access route to Ivy Farm bridge

Concerns over A505 pedestrian safety are behind efforts to create a public right of way to access Royston’s Ivy Farm Bridge. The agricultural bridge, between Royston Gateway and the McDonald’s roundabout, belongs to Hertfordshire County Council. 

The Council would like it to be available for use as a public bridleway, connecting Royston to Bassingbourn and Litlington. For this to happen, a right of way needs to be created over private agricultural land in Bassingbourn. Councillors on both sides of the A505 are working with local schools on letters to the landowner, setting out the case.

Royston County Councillor Steve Jarvis said, ‘We have special concern for children and young people who are missing out on opportunities due to the A505 barrier. Putting this existing bridge into action would be a game changer.’

Bassingbourn County Councillor Adam Bostanci said, ‘This is a huge issue for Bassingbourn. The existing legal pedestrian crossing is on foot over the A505. No parent will feel their children are safe running across such a dangerous road, but for some there is no choice. There is an enormous amount of goodwill in the community about making this happen, with many offers of practical support.’

Royston District Cllr Matt Barnes said, 'There is limited access for Royston children to visit friends and family in Bassingbourn and Litlington on their own steam.  Being able to do so by bike would be brilliant.'

Bassingbourn and Litlington District Councillor Susan van de Ven said, ‘For Bassingbourn young people, access to Royston is simply essential, for transport connections to post-16 education and training, swimming and leisure facilities, and weekend and holiday jobs.’

Litlington County Councillor James Stuart said, ‘We are collecting letters from young people, addressed to the Cokenach Estate landowner, which will be posted all together at the end of half-term. We’ve had some great letters so far and really hope that these will help to draw attention to the chance now to make a huge difference.’

Royston County Councillor Ruth Brown said, ‘There’s a strong tradition of working together over the county border. We are hopeful that this excellent project will succeed.’