The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has announced that a new way forward has been found to protect the much-loved riverside path that runs along its land between Country Park Halt near Highley and Hampton Loade station.
Highley Parish Council (HPC) has agreed to take on responsibility for maintaining the route after the previous funding arrangements between Sustrans and Shropshire Council came to an end in December 2024. The route forms part of Route 45 on the National Cycle Network and had been under threat of closure, with public access potentially being removed and the path blocked.
The announcement follows 18 months of discussions and negotiations between the SVR and Highley Parish Council and means that this important traffic-free route will remain open for walkers, cyclists, families and visitors to enjoy.
The origins of the route date back to 2004, when Shropshire Council took out a 20-year lease on SVR land to create this section of National Cycle Network Route 45 between Country Park Halt and Hampton Loade station. The path was subsequently maintained by Sustrans under a separate agreement with Shropshire Council.
Both agreements expired in 2024, with Shropshire Council and Sustrans advising that they no longer had the financial resources to continue their involvement. While the SVR owns the land, it does not have the resources to maintain the route itself, placing the popular amenity at risk of closure for insurance reasons.
Following discussions initiated by the SVR in late 2024, Highley Parish Council explored options for funding and volunteer support, paving the way for a new agreement between the two organisations.
Under the arrangement, Highley Parish Council will maintain the route under a peppercorn-fee agreement with the SVR. Public access will remain open, and a formal Memorandum of Understanding is now being prepared for signing. Maintenance work is expected to begin this autumn through a combination of contractors and volunteer support.
Tom Quinn, Chair of Highley Parish Council, said:
“We know how important this traffic-free route is to local residents and visitors alike. It is valued by walkers, cyclists, families and those simply wanting to enjoy the beautiful riverside environment.
“When it became clear that the previous arrangements had come to an end, the Parish Council was determined to explore whether a sustainable solution could be found. After 18 months of detailed discussions with the Severn Valley Railway, we are delighted to have reached an agreement that will safeguard the future of this much-loved community asset.
“This has been a genuine partnership effort, and we look forward to working with volunteers, contractors and the SVR to ensure the route remains open and well maintained for years to come.”
Chris Bond, the SVR’s Head of Infrastructure, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Highley Parish Council has stepped forward to help secure the future of this popular route. The path is a valued local amenity and an important attraction for visitors to the area but unfortunately maintaining it was beyond the resources available to the Railway.
“We are extremely grateful to the Parish Council for the time, effort and commitment they have shown over the past 18 months in developing a practical solution. Their willingness to take on responsibility for maintenance has enabled us to find a way of keeping the route open while satisfying the necessary insurance and safety requirements.
“This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation and shared commitment to the local community. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, this valuable riverside route can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.”