RAMBLERS can now avoid walking along a busy stretch of the B1000 on the outskirts of WGC.

For they can tread a safer route after a new pathway opened in Panshanger Park (the former Panshanger estate).

Butterfield Way links two existing rights of way – the Tewin 10 and Hertingfordbury 25 footpaths.

It will give walkers a direct link between the two villages, and mean they can avoid having to walk along the road.

The route is a ‘permissive path’ as opposed to an official public footpath. It has been dedicated by landowner Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete UK to its former estates manager Brian Butterfield, who died in February, aged 63.

Mr Butterfield – Lafarge’s longest-serving employee, having started work in 1961 – was also a member of the Panshanger Management Committee and originally proposed the footpath link as he believed it would improve public access into the park.

The footpath was officially opened by Hertingfordbury Parish Council chairman Rob Lester, pictured left.

He said: “Although I had only made Brian’s acquaintance a short while before his untimely death, it was clear he played a major role in the Lafarge set-up at Panshanger and his incredible knowledge of the site I am sure will be missed.

“Our parish, and all who live in the Panshanger area, have much to thank him for.”

The ceremony was attended by 17 members of the Panshanger Liaison Group, including planning and highway officers from Hertfordshire County Council, councillors Sally Newton, Peter Ruffles and Bryan Hammond, and members of Hertingfordbury Parish Council.

After the ribbon cutting and a site visit, the liaison group held its regular meeting in the garden of Panshanger Park.