SC22302 - AE670 (Permissive Bridleway) Surface and Infrastructure Improvements

Kent County Council is seeking to commission a Contractor to deliver surface and infrastructure improvements to a Permissive Bridleway, which is part of the North Downs Way National Trail. The path is located in Brabourne, Ashford. The surface of the Bridleway has become extremely muddy and significantly worn at regular intervals with a considerable number of potholes developing, and as a result, suffers from large puddles of water forming during periods of sustained rainfall. Frequent pedestrian, cycle and equestrian traffic along this section, as well as being an access route for agricultural vehicles to and from the neighbouring fields, prevent it from recovering and continued use by these groups will cause its condition to deteriorate further and inhibit use from this range of user groups, particularly during winter months. The North Downs Way (NDW), which has National Trail status, is a popular and heavily used trail through Kent and recognised and lauded for its spectacular views and fascinating heritage, traversing the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. By carrying out repairs and improvements to the surface, it will maintain access, allows safe an accessible passage and supports continued and longer-term tourism, as well as sustainable economic, environmental and social benefits. Furthermore, the improvements will facilitate and mitigate the expected increase in the number of people using the route and rural Anti-Social Behaviour, together with significantly reducing further damage to the surface.