I HAVE now had a chance to see some of the clearance work being undertaken by the Environment Agency s contractors, in preparation for the replacement of the decaying piling along the River Nene in Wisbech. This work has exposed a strip of land which in m

I HAVE now had a chance to see some of the clearance work being undertaken by the Environment Agency's contractors, in preparation for the replacement of the decaying piling along the River Nene in Wisbech.

This work has exposed a strip of land which in my view would be ideal for a cycle/pedestrian/jogging path.

I do appreciate that there are severe budgetary constraints operating at present but it seems to me that, if the environment agency can be persuaded not to bring the new piling closer to the carriageway and, if the funds they have earmarked for reinstatement work could be matched by contributions from other sources, we could end up with a marvellous amenity which ties in with Fenland District Council's boost for cycling tourism and the Primary Care Trust's desire for us all to take more exercise.

At the very least I would urge that a site meeting be convened to see what preliminary work could be undertaken and further built on when funds become available. For example, can consideration be given to diverting the allocation for the contraflow on the part of the North Brink nearer town to this project?

I have discussed elements of this with Wisbech Running club and local cyclists and all are in favour. I have sought to raise this matter with both the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency months ago, but with no positive response.

SEAN FINLAY

Via e-mail

The decayed piling exposed along North Brink in Wisbech. 3053BP88