Concern on Towpath Upgrade

Ed: we think this article refers to an article published by the CRT in May 2019 as follows here

I and my disabled wife are both retired now & seasonal users of the canal network, based on the Shropshire Union Canal, Audlem.

I would like to put forward our opinions on the Audlem towpath upgrade, because as far as I am aware, no boaters from this area have even been consulted, as to whether we approve, or indeed want the upgrade to the Audlem towpath.

We both consider the upgrade of the towpath is another nail in the coffin against our use & enjoyment of the canals as boaters.

We returned to the canals for a peaceful retirement, but find ourselves constantly abused and insulted by lycra lout cyclists, who consider the towpath is solely for their use only & we should just get out of their way, or MOVE.

I find myself having frequent arguments, after being dictated to by cyclists- that we cannot have a wheelchair on the towpath for my disabled wife, umbrellas, our cats & even mooring pins on the towpath.

I can go on but I know I am wasting my time, for instance reading The CRT article on AudlemOnline in May2019 just to quote a small part "The project aims to make this stretch of towpath a year-round amenity for walkers and cyclists. The project will:Be an important step in the creation of a pleasant year-round cycling and walking link between Audlem and Nantwich, avoiding the hazards of the A529. Work is continuing on the other steps involved, and once complete Audlem will be connected to the county wide strategic cycle route network being developed under Cheshire East Council's Cycling Strategy."

Not a mention of boaters, and I have seen nothing of asking local or country wide boaters if we want this? Planing permission has I assume been given for this work? But we have not heard or seen this posted locally. I thought this was a legal requirement BEFORE work is commenced? I would be interested to see your plans for widening the Audlem towpath, as it is not wide enough for walkers, let alone cyclists & boaters?

And where do I put my mooring pins?

I would like to see your procedures for work considerations & planning.

How might I go about this?

Thank you
Don Hall