A NEW £440,000 fitness trail around Didcot’s Ladygrove estate has finally got the go ahead, despite police fears it could provoke anti-social behaviour.

In June last year, South Oxfordshire District Council put up the money to improve the 4km Ladygrove Loop, planting thousands of trees and wildflowers, and equipping it with outdoor gym equipment and new play areas.

But the project, which district council bosses say will create a unique gateway to the town, was put in jeopardy by concerns raised by both Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police.

In November, the Oxford Mail reported that Oxfordshire County Council had described the scheme as “unwise” and “a future maintenance problem”, because County Hall would be responsible for the footpath’s upkeep.

Meanwhile police raised fears that equipment installed along the route could become late-night gathering points for youths, particularly near the Cow Lane underpass.

Estate residents have long called for improvements to the route, which runs through the centre and south of the estate and has been left untouched since the homes were built in the 1990s.

John Cotton, the councillor responsible for the plans, said the trail’s design team had allayed police fears by replacing benches near the subway with a red sandstone wall emblazoned with “Brilliant Leisure: Ladygrove Loop” in metal lettering to mark the entrance to the estate.

He said: “I’m glad to say compromises have now been reached with the police which mean the project can go ahead.

“The issue with Oxfordshire County Council was dealt with pretty quickly once it had featured in the Oxford Mail. The scheme is back on track, and should soon prove a real landmark feature for Ladygrove.”

He said three contractors were being invited to tender for the building work, after the resolution of all outstanding issues with the police.

Barring further glitches, work will start on the project in the summer.

The walking, cycling and fitness route will include two outdoor exercise stations, two new play areas, and seating areas around the route.

The existing play area in Ladygrove Park will also be improved.

Insp Nick Cain, of Thames Valley Police, said the project was “hugely positive” but had to be carefully designed to stop yobs ruining it for local residents.

He said: “A lot comes down to what materials are used – climbing frames need to be fire retardant or it may become a target for irresponsible people, and visible by members of the public over a wide vista.

“With a choke point like Cow Lane, my concerns are always about whether it is well lit, and that people congregating there could impact on public safety and confidence.”