Residents delighted at cycle path work on Hamm Beach Road

As previously reported, Kevin Launder, raised issues with the dropped kerb for the cycle path at Hamm Beach Road at Osprey Quay, Portland labelling the site as ‘dangerous’ because the kerb did not actually drop.

The crossing on Hamm Beach road before the works were completed (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Launder, 75, from Wyke Regis, added that the recent development of the Starbucks drive-through on the pathway had caused the issues, suggesting that those responsible ‘didn’t think’ about the cycle route, which narrowed before the two island crossings outside the new business.

Kevin Launder with the cycle path before works were carried out (Image: Alfie Lumb) Remedial works were identified by the Dorset Council Highways team and now, a little over a week later, site developers Rolling Wave Property have made the adjustments to the dropped kerbs, which are now fit for purpose around the islands of the entrance and exit to the Starbucks drive-through.

The crossing on Hamm Beach road before the works were completed (Image: Alfie Lumb) There is still one crossing that is yet to have the green paint added to it, although the kerb has been dropped. Markings have also been worn away ahead of the planned paint work.

The crossing further along on Hamm Beach needs a coat of paint but the kerb has been dropped (Image: Alfie Lumb) Speaking after the works were completed, Mr Launder said: “I’m delighted that the work has been done, I’m just concerned that so many things in this country need to be done twice over.

“I rode my bike on the road the other day, as I saw that they were completing the works on it, and I look forward to using the fit-for-purpose path.

“There is some more work to do for one of the crossings, but I am sure that they are onto this, and this will be completed as quickly as possible.

“It’s a really good facility for residents and locals to have a path like this, and I just hope that adjustments have made it safer.”

Works have been completed to the cycle path on Hamm Beach Road 

Nigel Stevens, 68, uses the path to take his grandson to the Osprey Leisure Centre and also raised concern over the issue, contacting Dorset Highways just over a month ago, arguing that the kerb was a ‘trip hazard’. His wife had been avoiding the route due to the possibility of an incident. 

Speaking after the works had been completed, he said: "I'm glad the work is done, and I'm pleased because there will be a lot more people using it now. Hopefully more cycle lanes can be added to the area in the future."

Rolling Wave Property have been approached for comment.