We welcome the news that the London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) have re-opened the consultation on the permanent closure of the footpath between The Greenway in Ickenham and Ruislip Golf Course (“the Stopping Up of Footpath U81”). 

The application is available online here: https://planning.hillingdon.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningDetails?reference=75317/APP/2024/2074&from=planningSearch

You can comment on the proposal via the “enter comments” button. You can view information on the rationale for the proposed closure by clicking on the “view documents” button. 

The Association only became aware of the previous consultation after it had concluded. We normally seek to improve and expand the local footpath network. The loss of the path through this “kinked” tunnel would be a great shame. But given the serious safety concerns raised by LBH and the police, we stated previously that we supported the Stopping Up, as the least worst option. 

However, in light of the detailed discussion between LBH and local people at the Village Meeting about the Stopping Up organised by David Edington on Thursday 21 November (attended by around 150 people), we have today written to LBH to withdraw our support for the Stopping Up. Furthermore, to help local people and the Association come to a more informed view on the proposal, we have also made the following requests: 

• an update of the LBH website to confirm when the consultation will close (this is currently unclear). 
• clarification of the future decision-making process and likely associated timings, noting that the Mayor of London and/or the Secretary of State may be involved.
• further consideration to be given to the value of the tunnel as an important link for other footpaths in the area, and consider whether that value should outweigh the potential costs that the council may incur from removing graffiti on the ramp/footbridge.
• the carrying out a more detailed assessment of the public safety implications of the proposals, including consideration of: the whole U81 route from The Greenway across the Golf Course, rather than just the proposed ramp/footbridge; whether redirecting people away from U81 past West Ruislip Station would increase the risk that they would be victims of crime;  whether not lighting the ramp/footbridge would reduce the risk of crime; whether any design changes, including but not limited to or the use of mirrors and/or transparent materials at the footbridge corners would reduce the risk of crime. 

We will make further information we receive from LBH available online as soon as possible, to help inform local views.