Following discussions with local community groups, the police and HS2, the Council have proposed the permanent closure (“Stopping Up”) of the “Spooky Tunnel” because of safety concerns. The picture below was taken in June 2020, just before the current temporary HS2 closure came into force.

The council’s 10 page presentation on the subject, discussed with residents’ groups in July, can be viewed below. And further below is a Council map showing the surrounding footpath network, including proposals for new paths.

We normally seek to improve and expand the local footpath network, so the loss of the path through this “kinked” tunnel, which also carries the Canal Feeder, would be a great shame. But given the alternative (see slides 5-8) our view is that the Stopping Up is, unfortunately, the least worst option.