News at Shipley Country Park

Shipley Lane closure.

Shortly after the country park was created in 1976, the council applied to the then Secretary of State for transport to stop on Shipley Lane through Shipley Country Park.

This meant that the lane was downgraded to a bridleway for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders only. It was felt that vehicles using the narrow winding lane was likely to conflict with visitor use of the park.

However, the council agreed to allow vehicle access after representations from Mapperley Village, but reserved the right to review the decision if circumstances changed.

In recent years the volume of traffic using the park as a short cut between Mapperley and Heanor has increased substantially. There have been two near fatal accidents on the lane involving cyclists and vehicles in the last two years.

A public meeting in Mapperley last year resolved to take action and the Parish Council wrote to the county to request closure. The situation will be reviewed in 2008.

The consultation period is now over and members will be making a final decision in December 2008.

For further information please contact the visitor centre on 01773 719961 or email countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk