Persimmon Homes has agreed to extend footpath in Chatteris

Persimmon Homes is to provide a footpath along Fenland Way that will link its development with the Tesco and B&M retail site. <i>(Image: Google Streetview)</i>
Persimmon Homes is to provide a footpath along Fenland Way that will link its development with the Tesco and B&M retail site. (Image: Google Streetview)
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A developer is to provide a new public footpath linking part of a town to a small out-of-town retail area.

Chatteris Town Council heard from town clerk Joanna Melton that a request to extend a footpath linking the Tesco and B&M site with Bridge Street/Doddington Road along Fenland Way has been agreed by Persimmon Homes.

She said there had been meetings between county councillor Daniel Divine and herself with representatives from the developer to talk about the need for the footpath.

Mrs Melton said that the developer is also looking to provide a pedestrian crossing near ALS, but she said it was unlikely to be used.

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She said people would either use the existing underpass or would continue to cross at the Bridge Street roundabout.

Cllr Sharon Selman said: "The crossing will just be a waste of money."

Mayor Linda Ashley said: "People will continue cross at the roundabout, unfortunately, so it is not needed."

However, councillors agreed that a footpath linking Doddington Road/Bridge Street with the Tesco site was more than needed.

Cllr Alan Gowler said: "Residents from Willey Terrace walk to school along there, so the footpath will be great."

Cllr Matthew Siggee raised the issue of vehicles parking on the road outside the Apple Green garage and suggested the crossing could help deter that from happening, as there would be zig-zag road markings.

But Cllr Gowler said that was unlikely to make a difference as drivers would just ignore them.

Councillors welcomed news about the footpath but suggested telling Persimmon Homes that the crossing was unnecessary and the money could be used elsewhere.

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