Before allowing a Public Right of Way to be legally diverted or closed, the council ensures that any proposed changes are advertised in a local newspaper and notices are put up on the site itself. This allows the public to use their right to object, as well as making sure that information is passed to the widest possible number of people. This page also contains information about using the rights of way network for pleasure and ease of access.
The council has a legal duty to 'assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment' of Public Rights of Way.
Special "health walks" leaflets with maps of local routes are now available from country parks and libraries. Walking is recognised as a great way to improve physical health and mental wellbeing. The council's health walks leaflets offer a series of suggested short walks that can be undertaken by most people without much difficulty, and offer rewards of views of attractive countryside and many interesting local landmarks. Rights of way are also many people's shortcuts to shops and schools and can often offer a quicker local route from A to B than using the car. For more information, you can contact the team on 01942 404377.
The team also consults with people who use rights of way and landowners to ensure the network is accessible and used by as many people as possible as part of their recreational activities and also as part of their regular journeys around the borough.
