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I live in a remote part of Shropshire in a hamlet/village with pub and great walking from the doorstep. The next village a mile away has a shop/pub/play ground. They are linked by a B road that is very dangerous.
Both communities would benefit from a path/bridleway that could be easily instated in the edge of farmers fields at the side of the road.
I know there is a wealth of knowledge on here about these things.
How easy is it to get these things happening in reality? Of course I’m talking land owners being willing in all of this.
The landowners can DIY and agree a concessionairy BW but they are unlikely to, the typical attitude is that it's an asset that they demand and get paid money for any "public good". The existence of a concessionairy path devalues the land and also creates the risk of it becoming adopted formally at a later date.
Also landowners are looking in joy at the closure of the rights of way map which makes new claims impossible in a few years
Also get the local community and councillors involved, find out how much of the verge is owned by the council. Campaign for a review of the speed limit.
We have a few permissive bridleways near us. The best one is along side a fast twisty B road. The owner of the field has stables ,so it’s to their horsey mates benefit.
I’d start by being concerned for horse safety and get the ball rolling that way.
I’d start by being concerned for horse safety and get the ball rolling that way.
It a very good strategy, the last thing to mention is bicycles
A new one has gone in near us. Funded by the Welsh government, although I believe the money came through the EU. It's a project involving the council and the university so I'm sure the information is all in the public.
This is the path http://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/
The second phase talked about here has recently started
Yes, has happened near us a few years back, and also had one diverted as it went through someone's yard. Council and landowners need to lead, but Sustrans, local access forum and Cycling UK may all be able to support
Thanks all very helpful. Interesting tact about horses!
To be honest wouldn’t really need to be a BW as it’s that quiet round here no one would be bothered about the odd bike but it’s better to try and do it right.
Will check out Sustrans etc, my motivation isn’t actually cycling, but to produce a safe corridor to link the two villages
They key is to demonstrate the need and benefits to your local authority if the route is not currently used. If you can do that then it's a matter of persuading them to use the powers they have and find funding.
Have a look at old maps to see if there might have been a right of way once, then you can apply for it to be made definitive.
Old maps are available on the National Library of Scotland website, yes, including maps of England and Wales.
Not easy, and not a priority at the current time.
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/campaigns-guide/developing-new-paths-for-cycling-in-countryside
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/community-path-scheme-is-a-success
Will check out Sustrans etc, my motivation isn’t actually cycling,
Sustrans is thought of as a cycling organisation but really they're about car-free travel so just as interested in walking and the reason why their routes tend to link public transport hubs.
There are a few different approaches:
Re-classification of an existing footpath based on evidence.
Permissive route - access for a set period
Agri-environment - farmers used to get payments to provide footpaths / bridleways. Similar to permissive. They don't always go anywhere useful
New dedication - the landowner agrees that a new right of way can be created.
The more landowners / tenants the more complex it gets and it can all fall in our out of place quickly.
Having strong community support can help with landowner buy in.
In terms of funding there can be all manner of sources - it's just looking at how you frame your ask. Also what evidence you can present for need.
If it's traffic and bridleway - see what local highways authority has. Look at what funding you can tap into for sustainable transport. Crowd fund - challenging. Rural development grants - now closed for new entries. EU grants would have been one to go for but we are currently moving to what ever the government is going to replace them with. There can also be small grants and pots of money - parish councils, local supermarkets or businesses.
If you are trying to work out costs - Paths for All do a useful costing guide.
Although they are a Scottish based charity they produce a lot of really useful information. Just remember different access laws.
Community Paths - Paths for All