Wigley Lane. Photo: Cotic

Wigley Lane. Photo: Cotic

A mountain bike company boss has described resurfacing work done on a popular cycling route as ‘vandalism’.

Cy Turner of Cotic Bikes in the Peak District said Wigley Lane near Longstone Edge is now more dangerous to riders.

But Derbyshire County Council said the byway, from High Rake to the hamlet of Rowland, was in a poor state and is used by horse riders and walkers as well as mountain bikers.

Mountain biking blogger John Horscroft said: “Wigley Lane runs from Bleaklow and High Rake to the village of Rowland and posed, until recently, a decent challenge.

“Now, exposed limestone bedrock has been covered with road-planings by Derbyshire County Council and technical singletrack has been converted into a flat, wide, all but uncontrollable descent.

“Furthermore, many outdoor enthusiasts were left mystified as to why DCC are able to bring entirely alien surfacing materials such as road-planings into an area of outstanding beauty and great environmental significance.

“Wildlife trusts, the Eastern Moors Partnership and other land managers ensure that they use the correct materials by liaising with Natural England. Are DCC somehow exempt?”

Mr Turner said: “It was obvious that the track needed some work to make it safe for other users, particularly horse riders, but this is vandalism.

“DCC have managed to destroy the challenge that existed and create a trail that is actually more dangerous for all users.

“The surface is breaking up and the unwary may find themselves travelling too fast and unable to stop on three inches of loose gravel.

“Surely it is in DCC’s interests to consult with user groups to prevent this kind of ill conceived maintenance?”

Mr Horscroft said: “The most depressing part of this is DCC’s high-handed attitude.

“The DCC website is full of fine words about consultation and involving all user groups but in this instance and recently on Stanage Causeway, there has been little if any consultation and an inevitable outcry has been the result.

“Ride Sheffield has made a number of overtures to DCC offering to consult at a moment’s notice when work is being considered, but they have been rebuffed at every turn.

“Is this any way for a public body to act?”

Councillor Andy Botham, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “You can’t always please everyone.

“We accept that some people prefer a rocky route while others prefer a smoother surface.

“Wigley Lane is part of a network of paths for use by a range of people including cyclists, horseriders and walkers.

“We carry out maintenance on paths in greatest need of repair or with the potential to benefit the greatest number of users.

“We received complaints about the poor condition of Wigley Lane. The surface had been eroded by rain water making it impossible for some people to use.

“We can’t consult with everyone every time we carry out work on our routes but we work closely with partners including the Peak District National Park Authority, Natural England and two local access forums who give general advice on access issues.”

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