A well-used route near the Rodwell Trail is once again open for use, following stabilisation of the surrounding bank and resurfacing. This restoration comes after a landslip and a fallen tree had left the path unusable.
Dorset Council’s highways team cleared vegetation and rubbish and rebuilt the bank along the footpath from Rylands Lane off Doncaster Road in Wyke.
The existing path surface was excavated and reused, and materials used in the bank (including the biodegradable green membrane shown) will ensure its stability whilst allowing plants to grow.
Pictured is Green Councillor Clare Sutton with Dorset Council engineers Jill and Nigel. Cllr Sutton and Weymouth Town Green Councillor Helen Toft liaised closely with the engineers throughout and are working up some plans for planting and other ideas. Watch this space!
[Photo and original text (re-edited): Dorset Council]
UPDATE 13/05/25: This story has now been covered by the Dorset Echo.
“Claudia Webb, Dorset Councillor for the area, said: ‘It’s a very positive thing and we’re going to work with the council to keep it neat and tidy. Some wildflowers will also be planted there and we have the Rodwell Trail litter pick on Saturday.’
“Cllr Helen Toft, representing Wyke South for Weymouth Town Council, disclosed there was confusion as to what department would undertake the repair works, as the footpath was still classed as a highway.
“Since the repairs, Cllr Toft understands that Dorset Council was in the process of changing the possession of the walkway over to the correct department (footpaths).
“Praising the work, Cllr Toft said: ‘It got cleared pretty quickly.’
“Referring to how the path was in the past she said: ‘It was very muddy, and you could not take children or anybody who was not steady on their feet down there.’
“She said it was lovely to have the path restored to its full potential again, as a popular route to the coast.
“She said: ‘We are so grateful to the work that Dorset Council did and it won’t need any more work for a few years now.’
“Dorset Council Cabinet member and ward councillor, Cllr Clare Sutton, said: ‘It is wonderful to have this well loved and much used route open again, especially in time for summer, and I thank the Highways Team for carrying out the work so effectively.'”