News / Transport
Path due to close for six months has now been shut for four years
Friday marks an auspicious day in the annals of Lockleaze: a popular path has now been shut for exactly four years.
The stretch of Concorde Way between Bonnington Walk and Constable Road was only meant to be closed for six months from April 4 2021 during the construction of Legal & General’s Bonnington development of 185 new modular homes.
There have been growing calls from groups including Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Bristol Walking Alliance, Bristol Cycling Campaign, UWE and the Ministry of Defence for developers Legal & General to prioritise reopening the path.
is needed now More than ever
But it remains blocked off at both ends while building work continues, although there is now access to a community orchard via the Constable Road entrance.
The stretch of Concorde Way between Bonnington Walk and Constable Road was only meant to be closed for six months while new homes were built – photo: Aarun Parmar-Cunio
Legal & General have been contacted for a comment.
In March 2024, a spokesperson said the company was “absolutely committed to reopening a much-improved cycle path for the local community, as a public right of way”.
They blamed “numerous unforeseen delays” but confirmed that the path would reopen in August 2025 ahead of the Bonnington development “completing” in December.
In a joint statement, Lockleaze councillors Heather Mack and David Wilcox told Bristol24/7: “As cyclists ourselves, and also representing many frustrated local residents, we are unimpressed with the prolonged closure.
“The development has had significant setbacks, and during our briefings the case has been made that the cycle path cannot safely be used during the final stages of development, expected to finish early next year.
“The prolonged closure has been due to a number of issues, partially complications in the planning system and delays in agreeing plans.
“We hope to improve processes within the council, and push developers to make local active travel priorities a priority, so this doesn’t happen again.”
Main photo: Aarun Parmar-Cunio
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