Audlem's rural pavements

We hear a lot about parking pressures in the village and nationally we are being encouraged to walk for journeys of less than 1 mile.

With that in mind I thought it would be worth doing a survey of the access to the village from all directions on foot.

Please click on any of the photos to enlarge them.

Hankelow to Audlem

From Hankelow work has recently been done on the stretch between the proposed Gladman site and the village. However if you fancy a jar or two at the Lion, be warned there is some subsidence between Hankelow and Corbrook which could result in a tangle with the Cheshire fencing for the more unsteady on their feet.

That coupled with the lack of pavement on the bend by the Hankelow MIll turn for a 100yard stretch makes walking a real test of nerves. Look carefully and you will spot a 'dangerous sports enthusiast' on the right hand pavement.

Lightwood Green to Audlem

For the residents of Lightwood Green walking to Audlem is worse than for those in Hankelow, with no pavement at all until over the bridge. From then on a bit of zig zagging is required as the pavement switches from one side of the road to the other.

Not a problem as I know my green cross code and even won a badge for reciting it word perfect at Broad Lane Primary school when I was 8. However the pavement under the old railway bridge is narrow and rough. (See photo)

Buerton to Audlem

The condition of the pavement is not too bad were it not for the eye-level brambles and knee level nettles invading the once again narrow strip of pavement: safety goggles and protective clothing recommended.

A brief respite is provided when for a short stretch a line of trees separates the walker from the traffic. At least the pavement is continuous though.

This photo is of the sunken pavement of Swanbach, see story below.

Swanbach to Audlem

The pavement at Swanbach has sunken or missing kerb edges on one side and invading hedgerows, and earth on the other, coupled with a denuded surface making this a pavement in name rather than function.

A reduction in the speed limit is cold comfort when you are stumbling from kerb to road, and this is without the addition of any alcohol.

Then just when you think it can get no worse the pavement peters out all together just at the stretch where motorists like to get a bit of speed up.

Once onto the Green Lane stretch although narrow, the kerb is of a reasonable height and special mention goes to the residents who regularly maintain the stretch of hedgerow outside their properties, particularly the top house.

Time Team might like to excavate to verify the existence of an actual pavement at Swanbach.

The photo to the right is of the subsidence at Hankelow,

Conclusions

So my conclusions are if you want to take up an extreme sport you don't need the glamour of Base jumping or the expense of sky diving. Just leave your car at home.

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