For your reference: Linking Brixton and Yealmpton - text from the "ballot" paper

The Parish Councils of Brixton and Yealmpton want the views of every household - you are invited to mull over the options and indicate your preferred choice using the paper delivered to you.

"Local residents will know that for well over 10 years there have been discussions about converting the old railway line from. Yealmpton to Plymouth into a shared-use path. Indeed about 10 years ago half a mile of track was created from Elburton to just south of Otter Garden Centre where it crosses a well-restored old railway bridge and comes to an abrupt end. The charity Sustrans has produced a plan that will complete this track and take it east into Yealmpton utilising the old railway line and west towards Plymouth and the Plym Valley Trail.

Also for at least 10 years local people have been hoping to be able to walk & cycle safely directly between Brixton and Yealmpton. In the past, when traffic was much lighter, this was possible along the main road. A path running just north of and parallel to the A379 is a potential solution and an outline plan for this has been developed.

Only one of these options will be realised because the landowner, Kitley Estates, has generously agreed to allow their land to be used for one but not both. Plans will be exhibited in both villages; the ballot papers will give details of dates and times. To avoid wasting money on expensive survey work, these will be preliminary proposals and whichever route is decided in principle will then be further developed."

Each of the two options has pros and cons and, whilst it is not easy to draw direct comparisons about some features, the Parish Councils have sought to describe them as fully as possible as below.

Option A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Along old Railway Track

Option B ....................................Along the A379

The ballot count has now taken place where this information was available; to see the results, follow this link.

Option A

Route along old railway track as proposed by Sustrans

A scenic route along the Estuary with a spur connecting to Brixton.

Key Features

Length: Approximately 3.0 miles

Western End: Otter Nurseries

Eastern End: Yealmpton village centre

Connects with: Plymouth and the Plym Valley Trail to the west; lanes of the South Hams to the east

Width / Surface: 2 m / Compacted graded stone

Usage: Walkers, cyclists and mobility scooters (Not a bridleway)

Max gradient: Mostly level; 1 in 15 on spur to Brixton

Car Parking: No planned change to existing provision

Funding: Mix of Sustrans and Devon County Council (DCC funding comes from Council Tax)

Ongoing maintenance: No direct liability to the Parishes

Implications: Users will be restricted to the new path and permits to roam onto adjoining land will be withdrawn.

Option B

Route alongside A379

A short direct route connecting the two villages.

Key Features

Length: Approximately 1.0 miles

Western End: Red Lion Hill

Eastern End: Near Kitley Farm shop

Connects with: Pavements into villages

Width / Surface: 2 m / Compacted graded stone

Usage: Walkers, cyclists and mobility scooters (Not a bridleway)

Max gradient: 1 in 6

Car Parking: No planned change to existing provision

Funding: Mix of grants to be sought and Parish Councils (PC funding comes from Council Tax)

Ongoing maintenance: No direct liability to the Parishes

Implications: Parishioners who hold permits will still be able to walk on paths between Puslinch and Cylinder Bridge.