Walkers and horseriders can once again enjoy a previously waterlogged Arkley footpath that has just been resurfaced by Barnet and Hertfordshire Councils.

Arkley Lane, which runs between Barnet Lane and Saffron Green, received a gritty surfacing in early October to make it more accessible for walkers and horseriders. It has previously been overgrown, waterlogged and full of potholes.

Eoin Bell, countryside access officer for Hertfordshire County Council, said: "The path was completely impassable in winter. Horses were shedding their shoes and going lame."

A problem remains with the entrance to the footpath in Arkley Lane, a narrow pathway to the side of a barred gate that is still waterlogged and tricky to get through.

"Nothing is likely to be done to improve access until next year. We will probably go in and clear that up as part of maintenance work towards the end of the financial year," said Mr Bell.

Arkley Lane provides a home to rare wildlife such as the Purple Hairstreak butterfly and there is a site of archaeological interest near Saffron Green, where Arkley village used to stand.

Mr Bell says both nature and archaeological groups were consulted about the resurfacing work.

The project was jointly funded by Barnet Council's leisure and youth services and Hertfordshire County Council's Rights of Way Section.

October 30, 2001 17:12