IN SUPPORT of Richard Cawley’s comments in the Guardian, September 25, ‘Marina is not suitable’, I would like to add a few observations of my own.

I agree that it is high time that work is undertaken to bring up to date the improvement of the Weaver towpath between Hartford Bridge and Vale Royal Locks.

It’s almost unusable in wet weather near to the railway viaduct, and also dangerous, where there is a high risk of anyone on a cycle, slipping straight into the river from the muddy sloping bank.

There is a problem between the viaduct and the Lock Keepers Cottage, where the towpath is extremely narrow with a steep bank on one side and a steep drop of at least six feet on the river side, which will need special consideration to make it safe.

It should be noted that families with small children on bikes can be seen here often in the summer months.

On the subject of bikes, many people, mainly males, ride here at some speed and give no signal of their approach which is annoying to walkers, particularly older people, and those with children or dogs who look to this as a safe place to enjoy the country and the riverside.

They expect to be treated with respect and consideration.

This is not an exclusive cycle track.

This brings me to the gates. They are an aggravation to cyclists, but when one or two were removed they were immediately illegally used by a few people on unregistered motor cycles from Winsford or Wharton.

I know some narrow boat owners who have stopped using the moorings between Vale Royal Locks and Newbridge because of the nuisance caused by cyclists in this area.

Peter Friston Leftwich