The replacement ramp for Clarence Park has been agreed by the City Neighbourhoods Committee in the teeth of opposition from local Conservatives.

The £120,000 project replaces the much used and much loved ramp from the park onto Hatfield Road, used by dozens of commuters every day as well as many other local people.

​Lib Dem councillor ​Chris White (Clarence ward) ​said: ‘There was an outcry last year when the ramp had to be closed for safety reasons. It will soon have to be closed completely if it not replaced and I am grateful for the support of other councillors and residents’ associations.

‘That said,​ I take great exception to the suggestion by Cllr Alun Davies that if users want this facility to continue they should dip into their pockets. Local residents already pay quite enough in council tax and expect facilities of this sort to be maintained.

‘It puts his recent crowdfunding initiative in a rather sinister light. Is this going to be the future in St Albans under the Conservatives? If you use it, pay extra for it?’

Tory councillor Jessica Chivers wanted the project put off indefinitely.

Cllr Gerard McHale (Clarence ward) ​added: ‘It’s once again clear that the Tories know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Thankfully we were able to ensure that this valuable community asset will be replaced despite attempts by the Conservative members of the committee to stop it.’