Footpaths Day highlights need for investment in path network [10 October 2001]


THE RAMBLERS' Association held a series of events on Sunday, October 7 calling on local authorities across England and Wales to get their paths in order and support local business.

The events were part of Ramblers' Footpaths Day 2001 and hundreds of walkers took part to draw attention to the importance of rights of way, not only for recreation but for the numerous benefits they provide for the public.

A quarter of paths in England and nearly half in Wales are permanently difficult or impossible to use. Stiles covered with barbed wire, ploughed up paths and overgrown paths were just a few of the problems encountered on the day. In Shropshire walkers were confronted by a right of way that is currently submerged in a ditch full of water.

The foot-and-mouth crisis has shown how walkers visiting the countryside are vital to shops and other businesses in rural areas. Now it is important for local authorities to properly maintain their footpath networks to encourage people back into the countryside.

Jacquetta Fewster, Ramblers Head of Footpath Campaigns, said: "It wasn't until nearly all paths were closed during the recent foot-and-mouth crisis that the true value of paths became clear to the nation. Not only is walking enjoyable, free to all and good for health, but walkers also bring vital income to rural areas. We are calling on all local authorities to urgently get their paths in good order."

In June 2000 North Yorkshire County Council admitted to having 5,615 obstructions on rights of way. At the current rate of work it will take nearly a quarter of a century to remove these obstructions. The Ramblers and local businesses are calling on the county council to put more funds into their path work.

Mike Sheehan, a local business owner in Richmond, North Yorks, said: "The council must realise that good paths are good for business. Walkers' spending is crucial to the rural economy. Walkers are deterred from visiting the are if paths are impossible to use. It is for this reason that local business people are joining with the Ramblers to call for more funding for the upkeep of the county's rights of way."

News Index