'More like quicksand than a footpath' Council defends new Hemel Hempstead path after safety concerns raised

The authority has closed the new path in Gadebridge Park, which was created as part of its wider River Gade restoration project.

Residents raised the alarm regarding the path late last month when heavy rainfall damaged the surface.

Hemel Hempstead resident Dan Stobbs contacted local councillors after struggling to walk through the park, despite, in his words, ‘moving slowly and carefully’ through the area.

He also told The Hemel Hempstead Gazette that he witnessed a couple slipping while trying to navigate the new path and heard that a woman had fallen over on the same surface.

As a precautionary measure, the path has now been closed off and Dacorum Borough Council confirmed it is carrying out an investigation into what is affecting the surface and is looking to improve the drainage in the area.

Residents have expressed frustration and dismay with the new path on social media. One said ‘what the hell did they use, playdough?’ in reference to the mushy surface, while another commented that it looked more like quicksand than a public footway.

A spokesperson for the council told The Gazette that the problems were in part due to the river “settling into its new course”, which is affecting the ground and surface water. They added: “The material for the path was chosen to be as natural as possible, to avoid pollutants entering the new river and to be in keeping with the park. The material used is a standard specification for these types of paths, which is extensively used in parks and open spaces across the country.”

Earlier this year, Dacorum Borough Council celebrated the completion of the rerouting of the stream as a ‘landmark’ moment for Hertfordshire.

The stream from the river Gadridge Park was rerouted back to its natural course after the council and Environment Agency. Two bridges were also constructed as part of the project and planting schemes and wildflower areas were also greenlit by the council around the rare chalk stream environment.

Speaking in August, Councillor Robin Bromham said: “By returning the river to its natural floodplain, and reconnecting to the aquifer, we are restoring nature, while giving the opportunity to enjoy and learn about this environment.”

However, residents remain concerned with the number of rumours of people falling on the path and potential costs that might be linked to repairing the surface.

Mr Stobbs said: “I genuinely don’t understand how this was signed off – all the existing paths in the park are tarmac, yet this new one sits on low-lying, regularly flooded ground and has been constructed using self-binding gravel, which appears completely unsuitable for the location.”

In a statement, Dacorum Borough Council once again stated the importance of the project and its belief that it will benefit the region’s wildlife. It added: “The new path in Gadebridge Park was installed as part of the wider River Gade restoration project, a very important nature recovery project that had substantial investment to re-route the River Gade to its former riverbed. Chalk rivers are an internationally rare habitat, and this project was a great opportunity to improve the park for visitors and residents.”