Reclaim the Lane for walkers, cyclists and horses
This fundraiser is organised on behalf of a community initiative in Norfolk called Reclaim the Lane.
Overview: Fox and Hounds Lane (marked in orange on the map) is classified as an unsurfaced road and can therefore be used by motorised vehicles. This has lead to huge environmental and structural damage and has meant that it has become impassable for 3/4 of all other potential road users. Is this how things should be? Is this right? Is this fair?
Aim: We want the classification of the lane to reflect that it is an important link for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between the villages, long distance footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways, as well as environmentally important areas such as Foxley Wood. As a donor you will be part of a landmark case which aims to put the lane into a more appropriate classification. This is being attempted with the full support of Norfolk Highways.
Here is the link to Norfolk County Council’s map of the exact location and classification. Fox and Hounds Lane is to the north west of Foxley Wood http://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/highways/#
Who are we? From a socially distanced site meeting with 13 residents from Foulsham and Themelthorpe in September 2020, we have grown to a loose group of over 100 local people who share ideas via Facebook, an email chain and the Parish magazine. Thank you to all, including Nichola Price, Steve Atkinson, Mike and Janet Terry, Judy Levien, Wade Leader, Kate Vogler, Chris Mills and Steve Hopkins, to name a few.
We are adamant that motorised vehicles should not be allowed here.
This should not be classified as a road.
How will the money be spent?
To start with we will have to pay an invoice for £8000 to Norfolk Highways who will then guide us through the legal process and help us make appropriate choices. Highways are not going to make a profit out of this.
We have calculated £500 for expenses related to crowdfunding and our bank account has three signatories.
What has happened already? Norfolk Highways took the unprecedented step of closing the lane under emergency procedures for one year until 14th December 2021 because the surface is dangerous.
Highways have committed to restoring the lane during this time so that it is usable by walkers, cyclists and horse riders again. Some repairs have started and will continue once the lane has had a chance to dry out a bit. Further repairs will be carried out later on in the year, after the initial repairs have had a chance to settle.
Why now?
Residents of these parishes have tried to resolve this issue for 30 years. During this time, and particularly during the last year, the health and well-being of people have gained in importance massively. At the same time we all caught a glimpse of what our environment could be like when we don’t ride roughshod over it. We can be successful this time!
Your donation, however small, could make a huge difference. On behalf of Reclaim the Lane and all other people who will benefit now and in the future,
❤️ Thank you ❤️
