I am a regular walker in Abbey Fields but you know that well.
The only people that as a general misuse the "no cycling" rule in Abbey Fields in the mornings when I am there appear to me to be school boys. They either race done the path passing the church to the main road or descend across the grass from High street to the swimming pool area.
The NO Cycling signs are now virtually invisible at all entrances to the Fields. They should be repainted and enforced as a priority at the present before going into any future changes.


Discussion points
Let's go back to the question of any link from Bridge street to Castle Farm.
If, as seems to me, a now non cyclist, all of the cycle routes proposed are to Safely increase cycle use and keep traffic away from cyclists.

The current path from Bridge street to the Swimming pool is used by young children, vehicles ( theoretically limited to 5MPH) and during the day by cyclists (who ignore the virtually invisible No Cycling signs). It also passes the childrens' playground. This is not a Safe mix.
There is a proposal at present that the bowling green should become the children's playground. I am led to believe that this is nearly at a decision stage.
When this is built then children will run down the hill from the Church car park across the current path into the playground.
It is easy to forecast that this will be much more dangerous if there are cyclists as well as pedestrians and the occasional vehicle going to the pool.
We are in a world ruled by "Health and Safety!!"

None of the current paths are wide enough for the use of cyclists and pedestrians and will require modification.
I believe that any proposal to allow cycling across Abbey Fields should be, as with Connect 2, a route sufficient wide to cope with all of the pedestrian and cycling requirements.
I do not think that a modification to the current path from Bridge street is the correct solution.

I suggest that a new cycle route should be considered and be built on the south side of the Brook.
Enter the Abbey Fields under the Bridge Street bridge This path will require improvement as it floods regularly and there are steps to reach the Abbey Fields.
Then across the lovely wooden bridge (which will require replacement) to the south of the Brook,
then straight along the south side of the brook passing the Flower meadow to join the paths leading to Castle Road/ Farm.

Does not "Health and Safety" rule supreme?? One child injured by a cyclist on a path well known to be used by children will be more than enough in this litigious world!!
What do English Heritage think of any changes in the Abbey Fields conservation area?