Thames Estuary Path Basildon, Castle Point and Eastern Thurrock Overview

Transcription

1 Thames Estuary Path Basildon, Castle Point and Eastern Thurrock Overview This overview plan shows the Thames waterfront focused around Vange Creek and Wat Tyler Country Park. The area covers 3 Local Authorities and is an area where walking and cycling links have been very limited. This is a consequence of the local geography, where the creeks are particularly difficult to cross, but also a function of local land usage with much of the land having been inaccessible. There are now ambitious plans to change this as part of the Parklands vision and new opportunities are opening up. Decisions in this area will have major impacts on the Thames Estuary Path, which barring all other limitations would be expected to run from Mucking Marshes along the Thames, past Coryton and on to Canvey Island before crossing again on to Two Tree Island for Southend. There are major practical difficulties with this and in order to maintain continuity the Thames Estuary Path will need to be given a high priority. Route development in this area will need to involve Basildon and Castle Point District Councils, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council (Unitary Authority), as well as Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC), Basildon Renaissance Partnership and local partners. Supporting policies and strategies In this area the linkages between authorities are vital and it is essential that all authorities are working towards the same aims, because the challenges are large. The major strategic document covering green corridors and access across South Essex is the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid Strategy 19. This includes amongst its recommendations the following greenways: Fobbing Marshes showing strategic bridging points at Vange Creek and East Haven Creek, as recommended in this report. Canvey Loop Bowers Marshes City to Sea Shoreline This report recommends some variations on these and provides more details for these long term aspirations. Barriers to walking and cycling Levels of cycling in this area are currently low and one of the reasons for this must be the physical barriers. For instance at present cycling between Canvey Island and London Gateway is extremely difficult, despite the fact that as the crow flies the distance is only about 4 miles. There is significant potential for big increases in walking and cycling. The routing of the Thames Estuary Path in this area is dependent on new river crossings, with new crossings of Vange Creek and East Haven Creek proposed near the existing sluices. Priority needs to be given to these studies to assess the feasibility and impact of these bridges. A direct crossing between Canvey Island and Two Tree Island is considered impractical at present and an alternative route is recommended. Elsewhere the route will need to stay away from the waterfront at the new London Gateway development, although it is hoped that a good route through the site can be developed that suits development plans, provides a suitably attractive route and which encourages staff and visitors to walk and cycle. Development sites Within this area the London Gateway site is the major development. This provides tremendous opportunities and will transform the area. With 12,000 new jobs being created it is hoped that many staff can be encouraged to walk and cycle and that the Thames Estuary Path can provide a stimulus for this. National Cycle Network Proposals for the National Cycle Network (NCN) have been quite distinct to the Thames Estuary Path in this area for two major reasons: The NCN is intended to link urban centre with urban centre and priority has been given to taking the route through Basildon. There has been a lot of uncertainty about the new links and bridges needed to take the route on to Canvey Island. As proposals for the Thames Estuary Path progress there is potential for the NCN to be realigned along this route and on to Canvey Island. At present the existing NCN through Basildon offers good potential for circular routes linking with the Thames Estuary Path and there are also good opportunities for routes around Wat Tyler Country Park as new links to the park are developed. Improved links between the Country Park and Pitsea are thus an obvious immediate priority.

2 Basildon Pitsea NCR 16 Vange Creek East Haven Creek NCR 13 London Gateway and Coryton Mucking Creek

3 Thames Estuary Path Section 26 Stanford-le-Hope South Essex Condition of the waterfront The waterfront in this area is dominated by the new London Gateway development by DP World which will adjoin existing petrochemicals sites meaning that a large length of the river is inaccessible and an alternative is needed for the Thames Estuary Path. There is no recent history of access along this stretch of waterfront, but there is potential for links through the London Gateway Development that need to be explored and developed in conjunction with DP World. The London Gateway project is the largest capital investment project and the largest jobs creation project currently in the UK and DP World will be investing in major improvements to the road and rail network in Essex. should be an important factor. Works have already been completed along The Manorway in Stanford-le-Hope to improve walking and cycling and the Thames Estuary Path is likely to be closely linked with local routes to and around the new waterfront employment sites. Barriers to development The major barrier is the need for the route to stay away from the river itself. Options are restricted mostly by the availability of routes (for land and other reasons), which means that the final route is likely to be based on the corridor of the A1014 Manorway. Within this corridor attractive options are limited due to the negative impact of motorised traffic on the area. Route description L2 Existing minor road High Road and Springhouse Lane - needs protecting as a Quiet Lane. L3 On road link with Corringham with pedestrians on the footway. The old centre of Corringham is well worth a detour. L4 Existing route along The Manorway. In places the route is well set back from motorised traffic and works well. Elsewhere there are places where fencing and barriers restrict access to the path and limit the useful width of the path and this needs addressing. Beyond Corringham the quality of this route is a concern with a shared use path right up against a major road. A new path set away from the carriageway is preferred. Key Recommendations 1. Agree route through London Gateway site. 2. Review landscaping, barriers and links along The Manorway to make a more attractive, useful route. Shared path beside The Manorway A-B. Indicative alignment for route through London Gateway site to be agreed. Links and Access Image from London Gateway website showing proposed development With12,000 new jobs being created, access to the area for employees Good links with Stanford-le-Hope are essential and the Thames Estuary Path needs to be integrated into local walking and cycling networks. L1 Upgrade surface of existing track with public bridleway status for shared use for link with residential area. Shared path beside The Manorway within Stanford-le-Hope

4 L4 L3 L2 B L1 London Gateway Site A

5 Thames Estuary Path Section 27 Fobbing South Essex Condition of the waterfront Route description Key Recommendations The waterfront in this area is dominated by the new London Gateway development by DP World which will adjoin existing petrochemicals sites meaning that a large length of the river is inaccessible and an alternative inland route is needed for the Thames Estuary Path. Barriers to development The major barriers to route development are the need for the route to stay away from the river itself and the need to establish a new link with Canvey Island across Vange Creek and East Haven Creek. The area between The Manorway and Vange Creek has not been fully surveyed due to access difficulties. A-B. Indicative alignment through London Gateway development needs safe crossing of the Manorway at B. B-C. Existing route along Manorway. Here the path is set back from the main road and more attractive than further west towards Corringham. Existing shared use path set well back from the main road C-D. Suggested alignment following public footpath via Oozedam Farm. The path follows a farm track and includes some barriers that are very difficult to negotiate. Use of this route would be subject to landowner s agreement. There are a number of options that could provide suitable alternatives and all options will need to be investigated further in terms of landowner wishes, ecological impact and impact on the historic environment and landscape. Oozedam Farm Links and Access Good links with Stanford-le-Hope and Fobbing are essential, but these will need to be done in a sensitive manner, particularly with regards to the Marshes. L1 Existing route along Manorway set back from the road over part of the length and adjacent to the carriageway over part of the length. (See comments on Section 26). L2 Indicative alignment roughly following existing tracks across Fobbing Marshes for link with Fobbing. L3 Indicative alignment across Fobbing Marshes and then following foot of escarpment for link with Fobbing village and on towards Wat Tyler Country Park. L4 Indicative alignment across Marshes for link with Fobbing Sluice and as a possible alternative to the route via Oozedam Farm. 1. Agree routes across Fobbing Marshes with landowners and other interested parties.

6 L3 D L2 L4 L1 B C A

7 Thames Estuary Path Section 28 Fobbing Marshes South Essex Condition of the waterfront The proposed route is away from the waterfront as an option until a new crossing of Vange Creek is achieved and as an option for circular routes and links. Fobbing Marshes are currently difficult to access and survey but are likely to become increasingly important for their wildlife value and also as important green space for a growing area. The proposed route follows the natural contours along the edge of the marsh below Fobbing. Barriers to development The major barriers to route development are the need not to disturb sensitive wildlife habitats and to satisfy landowners, whilst establishing a route of sufficient quality and convenience as to be useful and popular. Links and Access If a crossing of Vange Creek cannot be achieved in the short term, an alternative route will be needed. If a bridge is provided, this route will be an important link for surrounding communities. L1 Indicative alignment showing a route following field edges, to link up with Fobbing and on towards Wat Tyler Country Park. Route and access rights needs to be agreed with landowner and others. The route needs to recognise habitat, security and financial constraints. L2 Proposed link with Fobbing via Recreation Ground. Track on edge of Marshes Key Recommendations 1. Agree routes across Fobbing Marshes with landowners and other interested parties. 2. Install new bridges and construct path for route across Marshes. Marsh Lane, Fobbing

8 Wat Tyler Country Park L1 Basildon District (Essex) Thurrock Fobbing L2

9 Thames Estuary Path Section 29 Wat Tyler Country Park South Essex Condition of the waterfront The Thames waterfront in this area is difficult to access and continuity along the waterfront is not possible without major new bridges. For this reason options around the creeks have been investigated. These routes are expected to ultimately serve as links rather than as the main path. The routes will serve to link Wat Tyler Country Park with the River Thames. The Country Park is already popular but there are plans to increase this and a key aspect will be improved access. Wat Tyler Country Park is home to a number of listed buildings as well as Sculptures, Wildlife areas and Visitor attractions. Wat Tyler Country Park and Central South Essex Marshes are proposed Parklands projects. Wat Tyler Country Park Barriers to development The major barriers to route development in this area are the need for the route to cross Vange Creek, whilst allowing for navigation and the need to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. Timbermans Creek Links and Access Wat Tyler Country Park is close to Pitsea and Basildon, but its main access is along a road shared with lorries accessing the adjacent landfill site. This may only be a temporary problem, but the landfill site will not be complete for a number of years yet. The Country Park has no satisfactory link with Thurrock and this needs addressing. L1 Indicative alignment for link with Fobbing (see section 28). L2 Existing public footpath link with Basildon involves at-grade crossings of railway and main road. Good links with Basildon are an obvious priority in this area and will need more detailed investigation as access opportunities become available. L3 This is likely to be the best alignment for new bridges over Vange Creek and Timbermans Creek due to the lack of sensitive wildlife habitats near Marsh House and the need to address navigation issues. Works would be dependent on landowner and Environment Agency agreement and would need to cross the former landfill site, which would need detailed surveying. L4 Possible route avoiding Timbermans Creek. L5 Indicative alignment showing what appear to be the most obvious route to link Wat Tyler Country Park with the major new Central South Essex Marshes RSPB site. Route and access rights need to be agreed with RSPB and others, as part of Central South Essex Marshes access plans. The crossing of the landfill site access road appears to be one of the major challenges. L6 A new shared use path is planned beside Pitsea Hall Lane to allow cyclists and pedestrians to avoid lorry traffic. This route needs to extend to Pitsea Station and right into the heart of Pitsea. Major works required. Pitsea Hall Lane Key Recommendations 1. Agree route and details for crossing of Vange Creek and Timbermans Creek which is likely to involve two major bridges. 2. Seek to obtain access rights near Marsh House. 3. Install new bridges and construct path for route across Marshes and across landfill site access road.

10 Basildon Planned new bridge to provide new access and potential for circular routes L6 L2 L4 L5 Thurrock Basildon District (Essex) L3 L1 Former landfill site Landfill site

11 Thames Estuary Path Section 30 Bowers Marshes South Essex Condition of the waterfront With the development of new access on to Canvey Island from Thurrock the Thames waterfront and the Thames Estuary Path will be some distance away from this area, but until this is achieved these routes have potential as an interim alignment for the Thames Estuary Path and will in any case remain as important long term links. The terrain is typical of the South Essex Marshes, which have historically been difficult to access, but with significant areas having been acquired by RSPB new access opportunities are opening up. These access opportunities will have to be carefully balanced against habitat requirements, as has been successfully achieved at Rainham Marshes. Any new access will require a significant number of small bridges to cross the numerous drains. Central South Essex Marshes is proposed as a Parklands project. Barriers to development The major barriers to route development in this area have been land ownership issues, but with the support of RSPB there are now tremendous opportunities on their land. There are likely however to continue to be crucial links needed beyond the Central South Essex Marshes. Links and Access This historically difficult to access area stands at a strategically important location between Wat Tyler Country Park and Pitsea to the west and Benfleet and Canvey Island to the east. There are good opportunities to establish new links and if visitor numbers are to increase high quality walking and cycling links are vital. L1 Construct new path. Indicative alignment following existing farm access routes, the Manor Way and field edges. Exact route subject to RSPB requirements. L2 Route following existing farm track to link with Church Road, a quiet road that links with Bowers Gifford. Farm track surfacing needs to be improved. number of options closer to the creek, which can also be considered. Floodbank east of Canvey Way L4 This area is dominated by the scrambling track used by Castle Point Kick Start Club. A route following their access road leads into South Benfleet. Surface improvements are needed. L5 Option of route via residential streets or a more direct route following the existing path parallel to the railway. This path needs surfacing and widening in places. L6 Link with Benfleet Station. Constructing and threading a path between the sewage works and the river, whilst avoiding the scrambling track is a challenge that will need careful detailing, but should be achievable. link for pedestrians, to join up with the public footpaths on the Canvey Island side. This footway is currently inaccessible from the riverside footpaths and works are needed to establish new links. View of scrambling track and creek Key Recommendations 1. Agree route and details for new path on RSPB land. 2. Agree route and details for essential Benfleet links. 3. Construct new links to Canvey Way to utilise existing footway for crossing of East Haven Creek. View from Canvey Way L3 Indicative alignment for link with Fobbing Sluice and Canvey Island. Indicated route follows higher ground near landfill site, although there are a L7 Canvey Way crosses East Haven Creek on a viaduct. It includes a footway 1.7m wide which although not pleasant would provide a useful

12 L2 South Benfleet Castle Point (Essex) L1 Pedestrian and cycle link with road and footway L5 L4 Basildon (Essex) L7 L6 L3 Pedestrian link with public footpath network Canvey Island

13 Thames Estuary Path Section 31 Fobbing Horse and Northwick South Essex Condition of the waterfront In this area Holehaven Creek, Vange Creek and East Haven Creek meet within close proximity of major industry at Coryton, a large landfill site and some important wildlife habitats on the Marshes and Creeks. This area has traditionally been a dead-end area with no access across the creeks except by boat, which adds to the sense of isolation. However there are tremendous opportunities and for the Thames Estuary Path this is the first obvious crossing point of Vange Creek for a new bridge that could open up the area and access opportunities. This has been identified as a crossing location in the South Essex Green Grid Strategy 19. The crossings of Vange Creek and East Haven Creek will need major new bridges and significant investment to truly link Canvey Island into the area and to allow the Thames Estuary Path to follow the bank of the River Thames. Barriers to development The major barriers to route development in this area are the Creeks which are wide, with no crossing provision at present. Vange Creek is navigable and thus any new bridge would have to be a lifting bridge or have a high clearance. Key to breaking down barriers in this area will be agreeing details and obtaining funding for two major new river crossings. Without new links in this area the Thames Estuary Path would need to bypass Canvey Island and miss large stretches of the Thames waterfront. Route description A-B. Construct new path. Indicative alignment exact route subject to landowner and other requirements. B. Construct new bridge over Vange Creek clear span over water is approximately 50 metres. The exact location will need to be determined from a feasibility study and a detailed environmental impact study, but this location has the shortest span in the area. A fixed bridge is preferred, although this will involve very long ramps and a creative solution will be needed. With the bridge needing to be nearly 10 metres above the banks ramps are likely to be approximately 200m long and very substantial. B-C. Construct new path between Vange Creek and East Haven Creek. C. Construct new bridge near to flood barrier or obtain Environment Agency consent for use of existing access road, which would need resurfacing and a number of security measures. Clear span over water is approximately 50 metres but ramp requirements are much less than for Vange Creek. C-D. Resurface existing tracks which largely follow the public footpath. East Haven Creek Barrier Links and Access L1 Indicative alignment for route across Marshes. (See section 27) L2 Construct new path for link with Central South Essex Marshes, Pitsea and Benfleet either along edge of landfill site or on top of river bank. This area is not currently accessible. A route along the eastern river bank is another option, but is more difficult to link with Benfleet and is identified as a potential managed re-alignment of the flood defences as part of Environment Agency TE 2100 strategy. L3 Existing access tracks to Northwick Road, surface improvements needed. Canvey Wick is identified as a potential Parklands project. Key Recommendations 1. Agree bridge locations and details for two major new crossings over Vange Creek and East Haven Creek. 2. Prepared detailed estimates and seek funding for bridges. 3. Agree route and details for essential links to bridges. Image showing possible new bridge structure at Fobbing Sluice

14 L2 B C L3 L1 Canvey Wick A D

15 Thames Estuary Path Section 32 Canvey Island Hole Haven South Essex Condition of the waterfront Barriers to development Route description Links and Access In this area the waterfront is dominated by industry in the form of brownfield land at Canvey Wick, oil storage on Canvey Island and across the creek in Thurrock. In the midst of this sits the Lobster Smack public house near the point where Holehaven Creek meets the River Thames next to a small housing site as a reminder of Canvey Island before the industry. The Lobster Smack is significant not just for its historical connections (Dickens referred to it) it is also the first hostelry on the Thames after Tilbury. The waterfront is dominated by a concrete sea wall a result of the tragic 1953 floods. This does however mean that views are restricted. Canvey Wick is identified as a potential Parklands project. There are few obvious barriers to development of this section apart from the steps at point E and the physical constraints of the flood defences. Landowner consent for use of the waterfront by walkers and cyclists may prove to be a bigger hurdle if land is in multiple ownership as appears likely. There is scope for a number of new links on Canvey Wick and every opportunity needs to be taken to improve links between the waterfront and both housing and industry. For all sections landowner s agreement is needed for walking and cycling. The route follows an existing public footpath. A-B. Construct new path along worn track at foot of flood bank. Scope for bridleway creation. B-C. Surface path along existing flood defences. Scope for bridleway creation. C-D. Surface path along existing banktop past mobile homes and industrial site. D. Construct ramp at 1:20 down from banktop for route under access way and enhance landscaping. D-E. Surface path along existing banktop and over pipes. E. The path narrows and there are steps over the flood defences and pipes at the Oikos terminal, which are a major barrier. Replace steps with new ramped crossing and widen path if possible. L1 Link along existing concrete track across land owned by EEDA. L2 Link along existing path to housing. L3 Construct link to public highway by Lobster Smack pub with on road link with local housing. Key Recommendations 1. Confirm rights for cyclists along existing path. 2. Surface existing path. 3. Upgrade route where it passes under access ways by jetty at point D. 4. Replace existing steps with new ramped crossing of flood wall at point E. Flood defences at Canvey Wick Jetty at point D Hole Haven Steps at point E

16 Canvey Wick L1 L2 A B L3 Lobster Smack pub Coryton C D E Thurrock Castle Point (Essex)

17 Thames Estuary Path Section 33 Canvey Island Thorney Bay South Essex Condition of the waterfront Barriers to development Route description Links and Access In this area the waterfront changes from an area dominated by jetties and industry to an area for holidaymakers and local housing, with the first obvious signs of the banks of the Thames becoming seaside. The waterfront continues to be dominated by a concrete sea wall with a banktop path behind. There is also over large parts a surfaced path on the seaward side of the sea wall and this would seem appropriate for pedestrian usage only. As the route passes through the commercial centre of Canvey Island, near the Labworth Restaurant and Beach Bistro sections of the path are already surfaced and are noticeably much busier than elsewhere. There are few obvious barriers to development of this section apart from the physical constraints of working on the flood defences. Landowner consent for use of the waterfront by walkers and cyclists may prove to be a bigger hurdle where land is not in Local Authority ownership. There is scope for numerous links in this area; most are already well established and need clear promotion. The major constraint on links is the fact that the banktop path is generally well above road level and ramps are needed. A-D. Surface existing path adjacent to sea wall B. Construct ramp at 1:20 down from banktop for route under access way and enhance landscaping. C. The barriers at this location may be a result of historical misuse of the path but the aim must ultimately be to remove them and create a more attractive environment. D-E. Existing concrete path behind beach. E-F. Surface existing banktop path aiming to match the standards of the central area. F-G. Existing central branded area. The aim must be to extend the feel of this quality seafront much further around Canvey Island. L1 Surface existing paths for links to the local community. Key Recommendations 1. Confirm rights for cyclists along existing path on landward side of sea wall. 2. Surface existing path aiming to extend the quality of the central area at least as far as Thorney Bay. 3. Upgrade route where it passes under access ways by jetties. 4. Replace existing steps with new ramped crossing of flood wall. Flood defences at E. Thorney Bay Subway under jetty at B Flood defences approaching C

18 L1 E D G F A B C

19 Thames Estuary Path Section 34 Canvey Heights South Essex Condition of the waterfront In this section the Thames waterfront has a seaside feel especially along the central area. However unless a new bridge were to be built between Canvey Heights and Two Tree Island it is not possible to follow the Thames all the way to Southend. At over 1km the span of this bridge is considered too large for practical purposes and a route following Benfleet Creek is a more appropriate option. As the route turns away from the Thames along Benfleet Creek, the waterfront changes to that more typical of the South Essex Marshes. The waterfront continues to be dominated by a concrete sea wall with a banktop path behind. Barriers to development There are few obvious barriers to development of this section apart from the physical constraints of working on the flood defences. Landowner consent for use of the frontage by walkers and cyclists may prove to be a bigger hurdle where land is not in Local Authority ownership. There is scope for numerous links in this area; most are already well established informally, but need better surfacing and promotion. For all sections landowner s agreement is needed for walking and cycling along the banktop path inside the flood defences. Although there is an existing path over the whole length the bumpy surface is not easy going and needs improving throughout. C. The entrance to Canvey Heights Country Park is closed at certain times and an alternative route (L1 and L2) needs to be signed. C-D. Existing paths through Canvey Heights, with impressive views from the top. These paths are of better quality than most throughout Canvey Island, but are unsealed and improved surfacing is recommended. D-E. Surface existing path following concrete flood defences. Links and Access L1 Route following quiet road. There are plans for environmental improvements in this area and a dedicated route following the road would be worth pursuing. Safe crossing needed of roundabout for link with residential area and path. L2 Link via residential streets. L3 Surface existing informal link with residential streets. L4 Important link with town centre. Needs safe crossing of roundabout and a willingness to overcome the barriers created by the town centre one-way system. Key Recommendations In places the path is well away from housing and there is a need for better links. It is important that as part of the surfacing of the main path links are also surfaced and signed. Chicanes at Canvey Yacht Club 1. Surface existing waterfront path and links. 2. Improve crossings by Canvey Yacht Club. Path at C showing location of housing Route description A-B. Existing high quality central branded area. B-C. Surface path along existing banktop beside concrete flood defences. At Canvey Yacht Club, careful detailing is needed to ensure that cyclists and walkers are not unduly restricted. View north from Canvey Heights 3. Develop alternative route around Canvey Heights Country Park including town centre links.

20 L2 E L3 D L4 L1 C B A

21 Thames Estuary Path Section 35 Benfleet Creek South Essex Condition of the waterfront In this area the route has to follow and cross Benfleet Creek as the only realistic way to link up the Thames waterfront on Canvey Island with the Thames waterfront in Southend. There are thus two distinct sections of route north and south of the Creek. The route follows the public footpath around Canvey Island. Route description A-B. Surface existing path over the whole length - the bumpy surface is not easy going and needs improving throughout. Essex County Council land. Needs detailed assessment of options for the route on this SSSI. D. Kissing gate at boundary of Country Park land with Salvation Army land replace with less restrictive barrier. D-E. Construct new sealed surface path for shared use on banktop on Salvation Army land adjoining SSSI. L4 The best opportunity for links is this existing track, which crosses the railway at a level crossing. To really improve this link a bridge would be needed over the railway. This should be a priority with the development of the 2012 Olympic Games site 31 and would greatly improve links within the Country Park. A bridge using earthwork ramps is feasible and a feasibility study is recommended. Along Benfleet Creek the waterfront is typical of the South Essex Marshes and the area is an important wildlife site with various designations including SSSI along much of the route at Hadleigh Country Park. On the Canvey Island side the waterfront continues to be dominated by a concrete sea wall with a banktop path behind, but on the Hadleigh side there is a more natural feel with a very wide grassed flood bank. Barriers to development There are few obvious barriers to development of this section on either side of the Creek apart from the physical constraints of working on the floodbank. Landowner consent for use of the frontage by walkers and cyclists may prove to be a bigger hurdle where land is not in Local Authority ownership. There is limited scope for links in this area due to the presence of a golf course on the Canvey Island side and the railway line on the Hadleigh side. Flood defences at Kellington Road Canvey Island Flood defences at golf course Canvey Island C. Existing kissing gate needs replacing with less restrictive access barrier. C-D. Construct new sealed surface path for shared use on banktop on Existing bumpy track on banktop Hadleigh Country Park Links and Access L1 Link via residential streets. The streets in this area are well below the level of the fold defences and are connected with steps. Ramps will be needed to make this section fully accessible. L2 Surface path along the line of this established local link. L3 Surface existing worn path between drains for link with Hardy s Way. L5 Indicative alignment for route through Hadleigh Country Park to the Olympic site, using existing rights of way. Key Recommendations 1. Surface existing waterfront paths and links. 2. Investigate feasibility of a bridge over the railway to link the two parts of Hadleigh Country Park. 3. Upgrade routes through Hadleigh Country Park as access to park and for Olympic site.

22 L5 Hadleigh Country Park L5 C L4 B D E L3 Canvey Island L2 L1 A

23 Thames Estuary Path Section 36 South Benfleet South Essex Condition of the waterfront In this area the route has to follow and cross Benfleet Creek as the only realistic way to link up the Thames waterfront on Canvey Island with the waterfront in Southend. Benfleet Marina and the two road crossings of the Creek also have significant impacts on the landscape and the environment. If a crossing of Vange Creek cannot be achieved in the short term, the Thames Estuary Path will need to go inland as described in sections 27 to 30, bypassing Canvey Island. Barriers to development This is a complex area at a junction of a number of routes and a big effort is needed to achieve quality routes that work really well, making a significant improvement on the present situation. One of the major barriers for walking and cycling on Canvey Island is the lack of links beyond the island. Although there is a footway on part of Canvey Way the only realistic walking and cycling link beyond the island is the B1014 Canvey Road. The quality of the walking and cycling environment is poor with a busy road and a narrow shared use path adjacent. In South Benfleet and the Central South Essex Marshes area there are numerous barriers ranging from landownership issues to physical barriers relating to crossing of drains. These barriers now seem to be being addressed with RSPB involvement in the area. A longstanding barrier is the legal and other issues that have delayed development and improvement of the Benfleet to Leigh path despite landowner support. Route description A-B. Surface existing path and create new entrance at junction with Marina access road. B-C. The existing shared use path beside Canvey Road is narrow and unattractive. Construct new shared use path away from the road following Marina boundary. C-D. The existing shared use path across the Creek is narrow and unattractive. Ideally a new bridge away from the road would overcome this, but the alternative of using the existing closed off road over the flood barrier is a good option. This was used as a temporary route in summer 2008 and would need Environment Agency consent. D-E. Existing route through Marina on access road. Confirm cyclists and walkers rights. Replace access barrier with more appropriate barrier. Benfleet Marina access road Links and Access L1 Existing shared use paths for links on to Canvey Island. L2 Current link with station is a narrow shared use path. Widen path by re-allocating road space or realigning carriageway. Upgrade existing Pelican Crossing by station to Toucan Crossing. L3 Indicative route through Hadleigh Country Park to link with 2012 Olympic Games site 31 needs surface improvements (not surveyed). Route utilises existing useful subway at station. L4 Existing route needs resurfacing and edge treatment throughout. L5 Proposed link between railway and Creek following existing paths. Surface existing grassy public footpath through to open space and along edge of open space towards sewage works and scrambling track. Possible routes continue across marshes to west and south, as described in Section 30. Existing grass path at L5 Key Recommendations 1. Improve quality of existing routes particularly near Benfleet Station and onto Canvey Island. 2. Construct new paths between railway and Benfleet Creek and on to Bowers Marshes. 3. Improve surfacing of paths in Hadleigh Country Park as key link with Olympic site.

24 L4 Benfleet station L5 L2 L3 D C E B A L1