While most of the accessible route opened last summer, one section in Bulls Cross still remains uncompleted

A large padlocked gate currently blocks access to the remaining part of the New River walking and cycling route

The final section of Enfield Council’s upgrade to the New River Path still remains incomplete nearly a year after the rest of the route opened – with no opening date pencilled in.

The popular New River walking and cycling route opened to much fanfare last June, after work was completed to lay down a weatherproof surface suitable for bicycles, wheelchairs and scooters, replacing what had previously been a basic path that would frequently be too muddy to use.

The newly-laid route runs from Tenniswood Road in Enfield Town up to Bullsmoor Lane, near the entrance to Capel Manor Gardens, but was supposed to eventually connect to the borough border with Broxbourne on the other side of the M25.

Broxbourne Borough Council had itself invested in upgrading the New River Path, with the Hertfordshire part of the route recently being reopened – meaning that the 500-metre section in Enfield between Bullsmoor Lane and the M25 is the last but waiting to be completed.

While work on part of this section did start last year, it remains behind a locked gate at Bullsmoor Lane, apparently because there is an ongoing dispute with a private landowner over the last few metres before the path arrives at the bridge over the M25.

Sabri Ozaydin, the council’s cabinet member for environment and placemaking, explained: “The remaining northern section of the route, between Bullsmoor Lane and the bridge over the M25, is still subject to discussions with a private landowner and their associated planning application.

“While these discussions continue, the council has prioritised public access by improving the path on the western side of the New River. The improvements provide a cleaner, safer and more welcoming route which people can enjoy while the final section is being progressed.

“We understand how frustrating this situation is for our residents and we are working hard to push for completion as soon as possible.”

While the original New River Path route on the western side is open and allows walkers and joggers without access needs to reach Broxbourne, a tree recently fell over the path and has yet to be removed.

The council says it is still working to remove the tree.

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