Balderton Village Trail Statement

In our March 2025 newsletter there is an article regarding the Balderton Village Trail. The trail includes benches to assist the less mobile; a route that will encourage exercise; and information boards and a sculpture that present the long history of the village.

The project received £50,000 at the end of 2024 from the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, via a competitive grant application process managed by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The application was made by Cllr. Simon Forde on behalf of Balderton Parish Council, in partnership with Newark Sustrans Rangers, a voluntary group that, among other work, maintains the cycle path along the old railway line. The project began with Newark Sustrans Rangers/Cllr Forde submitting the application to N&SDC and once the funding was agreed in principle an agreement was made between Newark and Sherwood District Council and Balderton Parish Council to deliver the project with their being strict rules on delivery timescales for the funding to be provided.

On behalf of Balderton Parish Council, Cllr Forde has worked with officers from Via East Midlands, Newark and Sherwood District Council and other land owners to ensure permissions (Licences/Permits/Agreements) were in place before the installation of any of the benches, lecterns, street art (carved ox). As this work has been done in close liaison with highways officers, we believe they would have raised any concerns regarding road safety and not given permission if they had any concerns regarding the installations.

At the end of last week we received a request to pause installation of the trail items (on Nottinghamshire County Council land). We tried to arrange a meeting with representatives from Via East Midlands, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to address concerns/find a way forward, with the tight timescales involved for meeting the funders’ requirements. This was not possible so we are hopeful a meeting will be held early w/c 10/2/25 to ensure this project is not delayed any further.

We have been informed that some homeowners near where the benches have been installed have raised complaints to a local county councillor. It is requested that these are copied to Balderton Parish Council as soon as possible so we can work to address any issues.

Contact details:
Email: office@baldertonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Address: Balderton Parish Council, Balderton Village Centre, Coronation Street, Balderton NG24 3BD

Balderton Parish Council website - see newsletter and village trail tabs
https://www.baldertonparishcouncil.gov.uk/community/balderton-parish-council-20520/home/