Local ramblers will be aware that for the last few years, footpath access has been blocked by the development of the new junction access to the Airport – Highways call this a Junction 6 scheme others call it junction 5A. The roads in the scheme are now being brought into use.

While we were disappointed no effort was made to keep a walking link between Catherine-de-Barnes and Hampton-in-Arden, this was dismissed as impractical, with the scheme coming to an end, these footpaths are to be re-instated.

The plans can be found here. The main difference is that the route from Catherine-de-Barnes via Solihull Road by the farm to Hampton now will have a bridge to cross the new road to the Airport from the motorway, while the access from Hampton to the Airport which used to run around the old Hurling pitches now runs alongside one of the new road junctions.

Unfortunately, the footpaths will be one of the last elements to be brought into use due to the supporting works for the road conflicting with the footpaths. There is not yet a date for completion but it should be this year. Solihull Council are of the view they should be available in the summer.