Llanfair Caereinion council could pay to fix Deri Wood steps

At a meeting of Llanfair Caereinion Town Council held on July 29, the safety of steps within Deri Woods was raised as an issue and a proposed solution was considered.

Councillors heard a proposal from Friends of Deri Woods, a group devoted to maintaining and preserving the Llanfair woods for visitors and residents, on the state of the steps that weave through the area.

With trails through the woods criss-crossed by sloping gravel paths and rustic steps, the group reported to the council with a plan to improve safety for walkers heading into the winter months.

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Councillors heard a report on the 136 steps within the woods that currently do not have non-slip surfacing on them, with Friends of Deri Woods requesting funds to install a safer surface on the steps.

According to the council’s draft minutes: “The meeting considered a report regarding the 136 steps in Deri Woods which should have not slip surface to ensure we are seen to do the best to avert falls.”

A proposal from Friends of Deri Woods was presented to Llanfair councillors detailing how they would be willing to install the new surfaces on the steps at a cost of approximately £470.

The group also added that the project would need to be completed before the winter months, as the frozen ground would likely make it more difficult to install the new surface and conditions would become more hazardous to walkers on a slipper surface.

The minutes added: “The meeting agreed in principle but wanted to see more details. The Town Clerk will gain pictures and information and consult the Chair and Councillors about a way forward.”

Friends of Deri Woods have made improvements to some steps in the area over the past year, re-levelling a flight of steps below the Stone Circle, adding gravel where needed as well as some gripper strip to the sleepers on the narrowest of the steps in March. But with winter approaching they have now proposed funding an initiative to improve the surface on the remaining steps throughout the woods.