about footpaths
The main task of the group’s Rights of Way Officers is to try to ensure that the network of footpaths in our thirty three parishes is well maintained, properly signed and free from obstructions. The County Council has a statutory duty to maintain the rights of way in the county and the complaints we receive from members and from the general public are usually passed to the council’s Countryside Access department for action. Parish Councils may also be involved, particularly where they have signed up to the local Maintenance Agreement. This is an arrangement whereby the parish undertakes to carry out maintenance work on its footpaths in return for a payment of a fixed sum per kilometre. In many cases this works well but there a number of parishes which have refused to sign this agreement and in these the county council is reluctant to take the action required to keep paths open.Another important aspect of rights of way work is to watch the local press for advance warning of planning applications which might lead to a temporary or permanent obstruction to a path and for orders seeking diversions or extinguishments. In some cases such orders may be beneficial in offering a more convenient route but we always need to be aware that there is a constant threat from developers and landowners who would prefer not to see walkers on their land. Our footpaths are a major attraction to holidaymakers and as such are a major asset to Cornwall’s tourist industry.
If you have any information regarding obstructions or other difficulties in walking the footpaths in North Cornwall we should be pleased to hear from you.
Reg is now our only member taking care of rights of way for a large chunk of North Cornwall. If you have any spare time, no matter how little, please call Reg.
Reg Sheppard
Bramleys
Marshall Road
Nanstallon
Bodmin PL30 5LD
Tel: 01208 832136
E-Mail: bram2shep@btinternet.com