A public consultation exhibition held by B&NES Council on improving the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath has been called ‘unfairly brief and badly timed’ by a local Councillor.
The consultation is looking into how best to improve a significant portion of the towpath Sydney Gardens and Bathampton.
Councillor Alison Millar (Liberal Democrat, Bathavon North) said: “I called on the new Cabinet member to ensure that full and effective consultation with residents and users – including disabled people – would take place before any alterations were made to the towpath and I was pleased when he agreed with me that a public consultation should take place.
“However I was disappointed to find that the exhibition forming the consultation is unfairly brief.
“There are only two sessions and they are timed to take place in the school holidays and over the bank holiday weekend when many people may be away.
“I feel this cannot be described as full and effective.
“The Cabinet member says he wants to ensure that all users of the towpath have their say in how the money is spent, but many residents will be unable to attend these two sessions and even if they are able to access plans online, they will still be unable to ask questions.
“The Cabinet should hold at least another session, perhaps in a central location.
“In principle I support the improvement of the towpath to make it more accessible for all users.
“This was a project initiated by the previous Liberal Democrat administration, which successfully gained government funding for the works.
“However, many residents have concerns about the plans and a brief consultation period such as this gives the impression that the new administration is not interested in listening.”