'It means a lot to the community': Cottam canal link path given new lease of life

Community-hearted developers Lane End have resurfaced a much-loved pathway after years of campaigning from locals.
Local residents thanked building development company Lane Ends for their workLocal residents thanked building development company Lane Ends for their work
Local residents thanked building development company Lane Ends for their work

Kids can now arrive at school with dry feet after a canal link path, in Ingol, has finally been given its long-awaited facelift.

Building development company Lane Ends have finally fixed the dangerous potholes at the 42 metre stretch of pathway.

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The Cottam Lane Residents group have spent the last few years trying to get the road fixed because is used regularly by school children and people with disabilities.

Cottam Lane is used by local residents as a passageway to the Lancaster canalCottam Lane is used by local residents as a passageway to the Lancaster canal
Cottam Lane is used by local residents as a passageway to the Lancaster canal

On November 6, work completed as the potholes, some of which were six inches deep were filled out and the popular walkway was restored.

Andy Bolton, spokesman for the group said: "It really does mean a lot to the community. It did happen later than planned because of Covid and everything was delayed.

"It has made a massive difference to people in the area. School kids have even been involved tidying up the area and planting around the border. They said it would be brilliant for them to use.

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"We try to maintain the path as best we can because all the nearby residents use it. Since it has been resurfaced, there are always nice comments about it and it is appreciated in our community.

Members of the Cottam Lane residents group have spent the last few years trying to get the road fixedMembers of the Cottam Lane residents group have spent the last few years trying to get the road fixed
Members of the Cottam Lane residents group have spent the last few years trying to get the road fixed

"This was an expensive project and the Cottam Lane Residents Group and the wider community are immensely grateful to Lane Ends for carrying on with this project in these troubling times.

"We thank them for providing a surface suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, cyclists and also well in excess of a hundred pedestrians and dog walkers a day."

Prior to the developments, families would often wade through what Andy described as a 'lake', as it often flooded during heavy rain.

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He said the developments, that cost approximately £20,000, couldn't be carried out by the council as it is classed as a bridleway, meaning it only has to be fit for the use of horses and didn't require the upkeep.

The development was thought to cost around £20,000The development was thought to cost around £20,000
The development was thought to cost around £20,000

However, families with children and those with disabilities regularly use the footpath to reach the Lancaster canal.

Lane End Developments, a social enterprise, funded and carried out the extensive resurfacing including adding new drainage, edging and a tarmac surface.

Lane End New Beginnings CEO, Kate Harrison, said: “We are delighted with the result, the team have really come together to get the job done. The impact that the project will have for the residents makes it all the worthwhile.

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We are always looking for ways to give back to the community, this project in particular will leave a legacy for our site and will help the residents of Cottam Lane in more ways than one.”

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