Market Drayton Footpath Secretary. Annual report, October 2020.

Local Issues

Adderley. In July Shropshire Council sent the application to re-instate two "lost paths" to the Planning

Inspectorate. Hopefully, a positive decision will be reached by summer 2021. Peter Kay wrote an excellent

article for the local village website detailing the steps that had been taken to get the paths restored. After

16 years the end appears to be in sight! It would be a fitting conclusion to all of Peter's dedicated and

diligent efforts.

Pipe Gate. The lack of access for residents onto the footpath behind the new houses has created poor

relations between the owner of the field where the station once stood and some residents. In spite of my

objection the issue is not resolved and the permissive footpath nearby has been closed by the landowner.

The situation now looks closed.

Hodnet. In September the County Secretary, was walking in the Hodnet area on one of the area's "Hodnet

Walks"[Walk 6]. She encountered a bolted gate which could not be undone with barbed wire to the side.

The matter has now been referred, with assistance from and the support of the Chairman from the Hodnet

Walking group, to SC.. The problem will only be rectified by an official diversion or the removal of

deliberately placed obstacles.

Peplow. In 2016 the Stoke-on Tern Parish Council applied to SC for a public Right of Way near Peplow Hall,

together with a DMMO. When the application had made no progress, due to the massive backlog within

the Rights of Way department caused by a severe shortage of staff, the Parish Council asked for the matter

to be referred to the Planning Inspectorate for determination. This was done and SC was given six months

to make a decision on the application. On Sept.17 the decision was reached to reject the application as the

evidence was not of sufficient quantity and quality to make the order. The parish council was given 28 days

if they wished to appeal. I was asked to give my opinion and I suggested that the National Record Office at

Kew might be the place to visit in order to gain the new evidence which could sway the decision.

Betton. Where the tarmac county road terminates there is a short stretch of "Casual permissive footpath"

This has been closed until further notice. Hopefully, when Covid 19 has disappeared, this path will be

available to walkers again. This is at the east end of 0222/8/1.

Sutton diversion. In February an order was finalised for a diversion of footpath 10. This is on the sharp

corner ~500m past the golf club. The new path is a short distance away from the farm and has access via

two pedestrian gates instead of stiles. After the diversion the path continues as previously down to

Colehurst. Ramblers supported this diversion.

Footpath work. The local 3P group had an enforced sabbatical and no work of substance was undertaken

for six months. During the early part of the year new fingerposts and a stile [ on 212/19/3] were installed in

Hinstock, with the group being joined by Helen Beresford from SC. Also, the bridge on 0204 in Cheswardine

was stabilise by installing extra supports. This was quite a job! Strimming and hedge cutting took place on

several paths. Stile repairs were carried out on 0222/14m/1, 0228/9/1. At the entrance to the Fisheries at

Market Drayton a stile was modified, with the consent of the LO, so that the top rail was hinged. This was

done to enable an elderly lady with hip problems to take her dog for a walk.

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Walkmill Meadows. This local access area has received attention. Some clearing has been done. A set of

steps was repaired and the boardwalk has had some new sections fitted. Recently the 3P group has fitted a

new handrail, posts and steps to the access path down the slope from Quarry Bank Road. Work has been

carried out with the approval and thanks of the Town Council.

Webinar On September 30 I listened to a webinar about plans for new houses at Longford Turning. This

area includes 0218/2M/2 and 0218/1/1. It is proposed to extend the public footpath network with new

paths by the river and a new country park. It was surprising to see that a woodland walk would be created

after numerous trees had been removed! I submitted comments which I considered to be constructive.

Ramblers Campaign to restore lost paths. All of our squares were very quickly snapped up so hopefully the

volunteers will be able to discover Rights of Way that we have been unable to use for countless years.

There seem to be numerous lost paths in the Adderley area, especially round Shavington Park, so it will be

interesting to find out who is actually going to attempt to put these paths back on the map. Hopefully it is

someone who genuinely wants to have the paths restored.

Market Drayton Footpath Secretary 1/10/2020.

Oswestry Group Footpath Report (for Committee meeting 15/10/20)

This report is in essence a round up of the last several months.

Footpaths

Over the lock down period I have received numerous reports as to problems indicating perhaps that our

local paths are being used to a much greater extent. Due to the lock down it has not been possible to visit

the sites in person, but in many cases it is apparent that the problem is with the user not being able to read

a map or being mistaken in terms of what is a legal PROW. In many cases it would seem they have ignored

waymarks being convinced that they were incorrect.

The Manager, Mapping and Enforcement (Shropshire Council Outdoor Partnerships) has confirmed to me

that this is a trend across the whole of the county thus imposing a large workload on their staff.

Shropshire Council

During the COVID Lockdown and even beyond, most of the Rights of Way staff were re-deployed to deliver

food packages and help with the councils COVID response. So, as well as extra reports, there was only a

skeleton staff to deal with them. No maintenance staff were available at all and P3 volunteer activity was

suspended. To compound this the SC local ROW officer and Offa’s Dyke Officer has had an accident

resulting him being off work for several weeks just as restrictions started to be eased.

The councils move to home working has impacted Outdoor Partnerships in that they are now all fully home

based and have no permanent Shirehall office accommodation. This is making it difficult to access historical

records, the Definitive Map etc which are of necessity paper based.

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In summary the Manager, Mapping and Enforcement has indicated to me that it is all seriously impacting

their ability to operate and offer a timely response to problems. I would hope that this will be an agenda

item at the Great Outdoors Strategy Board (of which I am still a member) meeting on 15th October.

P3

As mentioned above P3 volunteer activity was suspended by Shropshire Council during lock down and has

only recently resumed in a very restricted way. For Oswestry we intend to limit ourselves to just surveys,

light clearance and minor repairs which can be undertaken individually.

Before COVID we had embarked (at Mapping and Enforcement’s) request on a detailed survey of the area

North of the Trefonen/Llansyllin road hard up against the Welsh border. This is an attractive walking area,

but is riddled with problems, both practical and legal making the route finding and walking difficult.

Historically for a variety of reasons the area has been neglected. I finished the survey finally in mid Sept

and have delivered the report and recommendations to the Manager, Mapping and Enforcement. Their

long term plan is to address all of the issues raised but at present they do not have the resources to look at

the legal issues raised. A copy of the report is attached.

Planning

I continue, on a weekly basis, to check for planning applications affecting footpaths and countryside in the

18 parishes covered within the Oswestry Group remit. Where a footpath is affected without plans being

available to mitigate, then I raise an objection on behalf of the Oswestry Group. I am pleased that in

virtually all cases where I have objected the planning application has either been rejected or withdrawn.

For Countryside it is more difficult as it is a case of exercising judgement as to the impact. We simply

cannot object to everything without loosing credibility. So, I tend to look at how visible the development

might be and the damage to the environment.

My one disappointment is Mile End Roundabout where I pressed for a safe pedestrian crossing over the A5

(bridge or underpass). Regrettably, plans were passed with the assurance that a crossing would be included

in plans for the trading estate. I will continue to press the case as without this access via PROW’s to the

east of Oswestry from the town is severely limited.

Oswestry Footpath Secretary

05/10/20

Shrewsbury Footpath Secretary Annual Report to ROW Committee – October 2020

Footpath Issues

Over the last year the log of footpath issues has totalled about 48 cases, these are documented on an Excel spreadsheet. Despite the COVID-19 lockdown many ramblers took the opportunity to continue walking so footpath problems continued to be reported. All of these have been reported to Shropshire Council for action. The issues relate to:-

1. Common problems encountered by ramblers such as broken stiles/gates, unsafebridges, locked gates, barbed wire, fallen trees, overgrown paths, ploughed fields, crop obstructions etc.

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2. Responses to Planning Applications which impact on the footpath network due to development and infrastructure proposals e.g. the NWRRR; housing developments etc.

3. During COVID-19 lockdown we dealt with a number of cases of ROW being illegally blocked by landowners and residents who were concerned about the spread of infection.

Many Council staff were re-directed to other duties during lockdown so footpath “repairs” have been somewhat neglected until recently. This work is undertaken by Council staff and the “P3” groups. The Shrewsbury P3 group re-started activities in October 2020.

North West Relief Road

A Planning Application was originally scheduled for spring 2020, however following the decision to combine with the Oxon Link Road this date was put back and a public consultation exercise took place in March – April 2020. The Ramblers undertook a detailed review of the impact on the footpath network along the route of the road. I assisted the Shropshire Ramblers Walking Environment Officer in providing some detailed feedback and suggestions to ensure that various footpath routes were retained and improved. In particular footpath 96/1between Shrewsbury and Bomere Heath, which passes by the Hencott Pool, which had been proposed to be extinguished. The NWRR Planning Application has now been delayed while Shropshire Council consider the viability of incorporating a flood defence “dam” into the river crossing at Shelton. It is not clear when the application will now be submitted.

Walk 13 (Shrewsbury Ramblers 20 Walks Book)

Walk 13 has been impacted by footpath closures for 6 months due to building works along Oteley Road. I complained to Shropshire Council that little notification had been provided and no alternative provided. It turned out that the Council is not obliged to do either and has powers to close a ROW at any time for any reason. In fact the Developers will have paid for the 6 months Temporary Closure Orders, and they have been advertised in the Local Press and are on the County Council list of T. C. O’s.

It is possible for the closures to be extended for further 6 month periods, but only for 6 months at a time without the Permission of the Secretary of State.

We need to monitor the situation and ensure the Developer restores the footpath to a legally defined route once the construction work is completed. Meanwhile the Shrewsbury Ramblers have circulated a map which shows alternative paths from Oteley Road, close to the Percy Thrower traffic lights, towards Bayston Hill quarry.

Shropshire Local Plan Review 2016-2036

Shropshire Local Plan 2016-2036 has identified many development sites across the County. Ramblers must be vigilant to ensure existing footpaths are respected (retained; diverted) and not lost to new developments.

Lost Ways 2026 Deadline

In order to search for lost paths earlier this year Ramblers central office launched a mapping tool called “Find.Map.Save” which enabled individual rambler members to scrutinise 154,000 individual 1km map squares across England and Wales. Searches of the whole country were completed in just six weeks!

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The next step is to complete further research to prove that any path mapped was a public right of way. Collated information and historical evidence will need to be submitted to local authorities. This would be a great project for anyone interested in local history. Interested members of Shrewsbury/Shropshire Ramblers can get involved and help this cause. Rambler volunteers could research old records; compile Claim Applications, and ground-check footpaths in the countryside.

South Shropshire Group ROW Report Oct 2020 –

Given the nature of the year just gone, I’m doing just one annual report to Area and Group Footpath Sec

for South Shropshire Group RA:

2019/20 has been dominated by Coronavirus and the associated lockdown and changes to the way

organisations and people have behaved. Whilst many footpaths in South Shropshire were walked more

than usual, and by people who don’t normally walk them, during peak lockdown, individual walking has

since reduced to nearer, but from observation still above, normal levels.

Clearance of overgrowth was very difficult in the spring as local 3Ps groups and Ramblers groups were not

functioning. The Ludlow 3Ps group, of which I’m an active member, has since August been operating Covid-

compliant working parties again and significant improvements have been made to Shropshire Way Main

Route way-marking on Clee Hill and stile clearance, although there is a backlog of maintenance jobs on

‘ordinary’ rights of way. Enforcement action by SC is being urged by Ludlow 3Ps on a particular farmer on

the Plymouth Estates who repeatedly plants right up to field edge.

The 2018/19 success in getting Ludlow Town Council to agree to way-marking SWMR through Ludlow town

has not had problematic repercussions.

Various land-owners tried to stop people using Rights of Way crossing their land during peak lockdown.

Shropshire Council reacted quickly and firmly when I and others complained about such a locked gate

closure on the Burway Farm footpath just north of Ludlow and the farmer quickly restored access without

recourse to further action.

There have been no significant development, deliberate obstruction or diversion issues affecting local

rights of way that I am aware of.

South Shropshire Footpath Secretary

TES Footpath Secretary Report – Annual Report October 2020

We have an abundance of long-distance paths passing through our area: the Severn Way, Shropshire Way,

Ironbridge Way, Cross Britain Way, Monarch’s Way, Hutchison Way, Jack Myton Way and of course the

new T50. In a year when the freedom to access the countryside using our network of rights of way has

been cherished even more keenly than usual, we have all learned to love our short local paths as much as

the long-distance routes. Our rights of way network is so important for everyone to enjoy – but it needs

constant work to protect and improve it. This is what we try to do.

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Late in 2019 fresh obstructions and erosion of the Severn Way in the area west of Dale End Park were

brought to our attention. The T&W Rights of Way Officer successfully cleared the obstructions and has

promised to look into ‘soft’ engineering solutions to tackle the erosion. Later in the year he organised for

the route to be kept clear of the inevitable lush vegetation that grows so close to the river.

The Hutchison Way runs from Wellington to Newport and this year has seen a dispute develop over the

exact line of the path as it passes alongside New House Farm in Lilleshall. Both the Rights of Way Officer

and the Parish Council are involved in trying to resolve the matter, but it could take many years before a

solution is found.

The Monarch’s Way and T50 both pass through land used by the Great Hay, Horsehay and Telford Golf

Clubs. There is a mismatch between what is on the ground, the OS map and the T&W digital mapping.

While the Monarch’s Way has been re-waymarked, we await clarification from T&W before we can request

the installation of marker posts on the T50.

The Shropshire Way is in dire need of a new kissing gate at the top of Lydbrook Dingle and some

replacement stiles just outside Little Wenlock. An appeal for action has been sent to T&W.

Last year I wrote that I hoped that many niggling issues in the Waters Upton/Great Bolas parishes would be

resolved soon – sadly there has been no progress here despite site visits and promises.

In February I delivered an application, fully supported by witness statements, for an unrecorded right of

way in Longford (Church Aston) to be added to the Definitive Map. This has been added to the register of

applications which currently number 124.

I continue to liaise closely with Andrew Careless, the RoW Officer for T&W, regularly reporting complaints

about cropping and ploughing, damaged stiles and missing finger posts

The last LAF meeting I attended was 15th Jan 2020. I am a member of the Friends of the T50 as well as the

‘champion’ for the section of the Shropshire Way from Ironbridge to Little Wenlock, which I try to walk

twice a year.

Our Footpath Clearance Group has, understandably, not met this year. Thanks go to Hamish for continuing

to manage the Group. On a personal note – I intend to stand down from the Committee and this post in a

year’s time.

Wem Footpath Report Oct 2020

Between April and August my wife and I occupied our spare time strimming and clearing 15 local footpaths

which were overgrown. I also work with the Whitchurch P3 Group and the Prees P3 Group clearing paths

and installing furniture.

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As a volunteer Shropshire Way Champion, I have walked all the footpaths between Brown Moss and the

boundary of Whixall on three occasions, I have reported ROW 0230/103/1 on two occasions due to maize

obstructing the footpath, also a Finger Post which had rotted off. This path has been cleared and the

fingerpost has been reinstated. I have reported ROW 0233/1/3 twice due to obstruction of a Maize crop

and to date this path is still obstructed.

I have reported in the last two days a ROW in Higher Heath, 0224/12c/1 to the Lonsdale Estate which was

enclosed with a new fence and it is now becoming difficult to pass due to hedge growth.

Whitchurch Footpath Report Oct 2020

Up to March 2020 our P3 team turned out regularly up until we were stopped.

We are still having problems with Maize crops planted over paths, which we complain about and are

experiencing some success. Thanks to Shona and her team we have had a lot of success getting paths

restored over Bubney Moor which is a huge area covered in Maize, but all the paths have been cleared

now. Now that our P3 is allowed out we are once again clearing and installing furniture.

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Final Survey Report: Coed-Y-Gaer, Pentregaer Issa Area

16/09/2020

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Final Survey Report: Coed-Y-Gaer, Pentregaer Issa Area

16/09/2020

Survey Conducted by: Oswestry P3 Date of Survey: Q1 2020 and Sept 2020 Status – FINAL – (an interim report was issued in March 2020 to be updated when COVID restrictions were lifted)

This survey builds on and updates the survey undertaken by Andy Lipa 2017/2018

At a top level, the area provides extremely attractive and relatively easy Walking (and Riding) within a few miles of Oswestry. However, due to a lack of waymarking, benign neglect and legal anomalies the paths are mostly difficult to find and are in a state of poor repair.

This final report covers the paths that had not been surveyed when work was suspended due to COVID and revises and enhances the recommendations. Please note that paths previously surveyed have not been revisited so data is 6 months out of date. Also note that the P3 team have not attempted any remedial work at this time pending the outcomes from the report.

0307/96A/4 –– Restricted Byway SJ22365 28119 A new metal gate and hinge post has been installed by the land owner. The Finger Post has been removed and is not in evidence on the ground at all. There is no indication as to the existence of a PROW.

SJ22864 27999 Route through to 0307/96A/3 (straight on) is via stiles which are Waymarked Public Footpath (it is a Restricted Byway). The gate is obstructed and it is not possible to open it.

0307/96A/5 is not indicated at all where it branches off

Looking back from 96A/3 to 96A/4

0307/96A/3 –– Restricted Byway The first section is a sea of mud over boot deep caused by animals (cattle?). Only the intrepid would attempt to use it in it’s current state

There are two sets of hurdles/gates all tied together with string across the path and effectively obstructing it. There is a distinct absence of way marks

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0307/8/1 – Footpath SJ23009 28011 Waymarks on the stile indicating the directions of 0307/96A/3 and 0307/96A/2 are Public Footpath, they should be Restricted Byway. The footboards are worn and rotten.

SJ23001 27935 A Waymark post is required to indicate where the path branches off the drive way. Steps (2 or 3) are required up the bank as it gets very slippery and muddy.

SJ23073 27911 to SJ 23050 27831 The legal line of the path go straight down over the field, the reality is that walkers use the drive way which curves away and then back again a few metres to the west

SJ23024 27764 Gate posts have been renewed. Finger post has been removed, no indication as to the existence of a PROW

0307/96A/2 -– Restricted Byway SJ23142 28933 Gate across Restricted Byway is padlocked closed. There is a stile, there are no waymarks

SJ23161 28032 A small stable and hard standing has been constructed across the line of the Restricted Byway

0307/96A/1-– Restricted Byway SJ23226 28029 Waymark post required indicating both the direction of 0307/96A/1 and 0307/5A/3. Previously a stile alongside a gate, but the gate has been renewed and at the time of the survey was propped open. The stile is in a collapsed heap.

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SJ23337 28006 There has previously been installed a sleeper bridge across the stream/boggy section at the bottom of the hill where 0307/96A/1 joins with 0307/7Y/2 at Grid Ref SJ23347 28001. There is an anomaly here in that 0307/96A/1 is a Restricted Byway and 0307/7Y/2 is a Footpath thus the Restricted Byway is a dead end at this point.

0307/7Y/2 - Footpath SJ23374 27972 Stile ok but needs step boards and steps up the bank to the stile

SJ23405 27946 Stile is worn and is rotting off at the bottom of the legs

SJ23769 27681 Stile has no step boards (also a heritage? stone barrier just in front). Incorrectly waymarked on the field side as it indicates that 0307/6/1 is a footpath rather than a Restricted Byway

0307/7Y/1 - Footpath SJ23758 27594 There is no Finger Post or any other indication as to the start of the path at the roadside. There are old and worn way marks further up the path. Given the number of driveways in close proximity it is difficult to locate the correct route roadside without a finger post.

0307/6/1 – Restricted Byway General Comment There are no waymarks over the full length of this Restricted Byway. The general terrain and trees in the length through the woods to the North of Rose Cottage are such that it is difficult to see how this might ever be brought up to a standard for a Restricted Byway. Clearance could be undertaken with relative ease to make the route suitable as a Bridleway, provided all the problems detailed below were resolved.

SJ23769 27681 There is an anomaly in that the Restricted Byway ends/starts at a Footpath (0307/7Y/1) so is effectively a dead end

SJ23772 27684 Gate/Track immediately to the North of stile to 0307/7Y/2 is not marked in any way to indicate a PROW

SJ23762 27772 Vehicles parked on Restricted Byway alongside Rose Cottage (this would effectively close the route to anything other than a walker). It looked as if it was normal practice for the vehicles to be parked there.

SJ23839 27876 Obstructed by a fence across the route

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SJ23880 28043 Obstructed by a series of cattle runs/pens. To the right is a sheer drop into an old quarry. The left side is off the legal line and is blocked by a barbed wire fence.

0307/6/2 – Restricted Byway SJ23865 28119 A sort of stile (no waymarks) has been provided at the junction of Restricted Byways 0307/6/1 & 6/2 (Footpath 0307/5Y/2 also joins at this point)

SJ23838 28301 Route obstructed by a fallen tree. Jumble of old gates that cannot be opened. Waymarked as a footpath NOT a Restricted Byway.

SJ23741 28378 Not possible to pass through the hedge line. No waymarks

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SJ23656 28436 Not possible to pass through the hedge line, no vestige of any route line through the hedge/fence. We had to make a considerable divert to the road to get out of the field.

0307/6/3 – Restricted Byway This Restricted Byway threads through Petregaer Issa (Farm) which is a busy cattle farm. There are no waymarks, Finger Posts or any indication as to the route of the path, in fact we believe part at least is covered by a building. We encountered the farm owner’s son who was accommodating but was quite surprised that a path went through the farm; see recommendations.

0307/96A/6 – Restricted Byway No Finger post where it joins the public road and no way marks, otherwise a good path.

0307/96A/5 – Restricted Byway No waymarking over the entire length, but otherwise a good path that we believe meets the standards for a Restricted Byway.

0307/5A/1 - Footpath SJ23856 28150 to SJ23747 28148 Path completely overgrown, stiles in poor condition and need step boards

SJ23734 28075 Waymark Post required

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0307/5A/2 - Footpath SJ23562 28302 Gate nearly impossible to open, also very wet and boggy. Not waymarked on the down side but is on the up side.

We agree with the comments in Andy Lippa’s report regarding the stream having moved. However, we have doubts as to how effective the proposed solutions would be; we think that there will always be maintenance issues here. Given also the problems regarding 0307/5A/4 (see below) we do not believe that there would be benefit in undertaking any improvements; but see recommendations.

0307/5A/4 - Footpath Same comments as for 0307/6/3 Restricted Byway which runs just the other side of a farm building.

0307/5A/3 - Footpath SJ23549 28108 Stile needs step boards

SJ23531 28100 Sleeper Bridge required (approximately 8ft)

SJ23501 28100 Waymark post required (old one rotted off)

0307/3Y/2 – Footpath SJ24122 28552 Finger post has rotted off and fallen over

SJ24107 28315 Stile needs attention (see photo)

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SJ24109 28295 Land holder has installed a metal wicket gate but it requires waymarking

SJ24125 28224 Land holder has installed a metal wicket gate but it requires waymarking

SJ24125 28204 Stile difficult and needs new/additional step boards. Fence has been moved slightly and remains of old stile are still in place causing a trip hazard

0307/5Y/2 – Footpath SJ24043 28113 Land holder has installed wooden wicket gates but it requires waymarking

SJ23995 28130 Route difficult to find, needs Waymark Posts

SJ23943 28143 Stile collapsing, needs replacing entirely

0307/3Y/1 – Restricted Byway Good clear route. Waymarking required at the top end though. However, this is an isolated section of Restricted Byway with Footpaths at either end (0307/3Y/3 and 0307/5Y/2), see recommendations and comments about 0307/3Y/3 below.

0307/3Y/3 – Footpath Runs from the road to 0307/3Y/1 (approx. 100metres) and is just the other side of a hedge from and parallel to a good track that runs from the road to 0307/3Y/1. The footpath is completely overgrown and obviously not used (We would assume that users are using the track) – see recommendations.

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0307/5Y/1 – Footpath SJ24109 28099 Junction of 0307/5Y/1 & 0307/3Y/2; gate is padlocked closed. There are no waymarks To be surveyed

SJ24287 28110 to SJ24426 28080 The path passes along a narrow strip of woodland (a sunken way). At the Western end (SJ24287 28110) the path is completely obstructed by vegetation and a jumble of gates/ hurdles etc. The remains of a stile (and waymark) can be seen in the vegetation. In addition, the definitive map shows that the wood is entered from the South side of the hedge, on the ground entry is from the North side.

Once into the wood the route is littered with fallen branches, trees and brash (apart from these problems it is a very pleasant stretch of path). At SJ24426 28080 where the path joins 0307/4Y/1 a waymark post is required.

0307/4Y/1 – Footpath SJ24491 28057 Stile is OK but step boards need attention plus additional on the down side. Finger post has rotted off and needs replacement.

SJ24518 28125 Stile OK but no step boards. Steep slope to road. Finger post chopped off and hidden in the hedge

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Recommendations Clearly there are several legal anomalies and problems plus various difficult maintenance issues. The following are our recommendations based on our now extensive knowledge of the area and terrain.

General Maintenance Issues As part of bringing this area in to available use, all obstructions should be removed, all furniture identified as requiring attention should be dealt with and all routes fully waymarked (particularly at roadside).

0307/96A/Sections 1, 2 & 3 This is legally a Restricted Byway with section 3 ending at a Footpath 0307/7Y/2, therefore is a legal anomaly. The terrain that 0307/7Y/2 crosses is such that it would be difficult/expensive to ever bring this up to a Restricted Byway standard. Our recommendation is that 0307/96A sections 1, 2 and 3 be downgraded to a Footpath. 0307/96A/5 together with 0307/6 provide an appropriate alternative if the issues on 0307/6 are addressed (see below).

Given that the section of path 0307/96A/1 from the intersection with 0307/96A/4 - 0307/96A/5 and past the barn seems to be used to coral cattle (thus effectively making it unusable); consideration might be given to a diversion. A sensible and possible diversion might be from the intersection with 0307/96A/4 - 0307/96A/5 south into the field below the barn and then along below the barn to

intersect the access drive to the barn just to the East. From there back up the drive to regain the original line. This would seem to allow farming operations to go on unhindered and allow path users safe access.

0307/6/3 and 0307/6/2 0307/6/3 weaves between the buildings at Pentregaer Issa and as

far as we can tell has a building over the legal line. 0307/6/2 from Pentregaer Issa to Grid Ref SJ23656 28436 crosses very wet ground and is not in fact accessible in any case at the Grid Ref.

We recommend a diversion of 0307/6/2 from SJ23656 28436 going North along the hedge line to exit onto Public Road U0247/ 10 at Grid Ref SJ23576 28669. 307/6/3 should be extinguished.

We also recommend that 0307/6/2 be downgraded to Bridleway for reasons associated with 0307/6/1 – see below

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0307/6/1 Apart from the significant obstructions on this path, the terrain is difficult and broken underfoot with quite awkward and abrupt changes of slope. It passes through woodland containing quite mature trees. For this reason, we believe that it would be very difficult and expensive to bring this to a standard for a Restricted Byway.

We recommend that 0307/6/1 (together with 0307/6/2) be downgraded to Bridleway. The very quiet country lanes provide a suitable alternative for those users in the Restricted Byway category, in fact there is anecdotal evidence that this is currently the defacto situation.

0307/7Y/1 0307/6/1 ends/starts at 0307/7Y/1 which is a footpath making 0307/6/1 a dead end Restricted Byway.

We recommend that 0307/7Y/1 be raised to Bridleway status to align with our recommendations for 0307/6/1 and 0307/6/2. The terrain is suitable for a Bridleway.

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0307/5A/1, 2, 3 &4 0307/5A/2 crosses what is effectively a stream/bog at Grid Ref SJ23562 28302. We note the comments in the report by Andy Lippa recommending potential mediation measures; however we believe that these would only ever be a temporary repair due to the nature of the ground. Thus am expensive and ongoing maintenance problem would be ever present.

We recommend therefore that 5A/4 and 5A/2 be extinguished, a suitable alternative adding little in distance would be the diverted 0307/6/2 and then onto 0307/5A/1. Given that if this extinguishment were enacted it would leave 5A/1 with a ridiculous loop up to 5A/3, we recommend a diversion to bring 5A/1, 5A/3 down to the hedge line.

If the recommendation regarding the diversion of 0307/6/2 detailed above were adopted, then it might be worth considering linking the southern end (of the diversion) to this proposed diversion near the kiln.

0307/3Y/1 We recommend that this isolated stretch of Restricted Byway be down graded to a Public Footpath

0307/3Y/3 We recommend that if possible this be diverted to the adjacent (other side of hedge) access track which runs directly into 0307/3Y/1

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Lost Paths There is evidence from the 1900 series OS maps that there are a couple of paths that enter the MOD Danger Area that are not on the Def Map. These would be useful additions if the MOD ever gave up the Area, is there any way that these can be claimed for the future.

Extracts from the 1900 Maps