Natural England’s new chairman jumps to reopen public paths on his land
Andrew Sells, the new chairman of Natural England, the government’s statutory adviser on countryside recreation, has hastily reopened a blocked right of way across his Wiltshire land following his appointment. Mr Sells, who is a venture capitalist and a major Tory party donor, was scrutinised by the House of Commons’ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs…
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Renewed threat to popular Marlow path
We are dismayed that Harleyford Properties Ltd has renewed its application for planning permission for polo practice at Low Grounds Farm, near Marlow in Bucks. Wycombe District Council rejected a similar application last August because it would interfere with walkers, riders and cyclists using Harleyford Lane. The lane leads from western Marlow to the River…
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Our Caerphilly activist wins Environmental Champion Award
Maggie Thomas, our local correspondent for Caerphilly, has won the Environmental Champion prize in Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Pride in your Place award, for her work in defending public paths and open spaces. Maggie, who lives in Crosskeys, is also membership secretary for Islwyn Ramblers. Says Maggie: ‘I was thrilled to receive this award on…
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Path to Morfa Beach is saved from closure
The path to Morfa Beach, Longlands Lane at Margam in Neath Port Talbot, has been saved from closure. This follows a public inquiry in December 2013 at which the objectors included the society, the Save Morfa Beach campaign group, the Ramblers and many individuals. The inquiry inspector, Mrs Helen Slade, ruled that Longlands Lane (footpath…
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Objectors prepare for battle to save path to Morfa Beach
We are among the objectors to the proposed extinguishment of most of Longlands Lane, Margam, in Neath Port Talbot, and the diversion of the Wales Coastal Path inland beside a railway line and goods yard. There is to be a public inquiry into these proposed path-changes, to be held at the Orangery in Margam Country…
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Henley Festival’s u-turn shows contempt for international footpath
We have condemned Henley Festival’s u-turn on its location which is likely to result in the continued closure of the Thames Path National Trail during the festival in July. The Festival had been planning to move from the traditional Regatta site downstream to the Henley Business School. Now it has decided to remain on the…
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Norfolk Coast path risks being a subdued trail
The Norfolk coast path is at risk of being ‘a subdued trail that would miss out some of the most majestic stretches of our coastline’. So declares our Norfolk local correspondent, Ian Witham. Ian has commented on Natural England’s consultation for the stretch of coastal access, to be introduced under the Marine and Coastal Access…
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We’re prepared for the fight to save the path to Morfa Beach
We have taken the next step in our campaign to save a vital public path to Morfa Beach near Margam on the South Wales coast. We have submitted our evidence to the forthcoming public inquiry into Neath Port Talbot’s Council’s plan to close the popular Longlands Lane, footpath 92, and to move a nearby path,…
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We slate plan to close Cornish rail-crossing
We have objected strongly to Cornwall Council’s order to close a vital footpath across the railway line near Penzance, Cornwall. This pedestrian crossing at the Mexico Inn, Long Rock, provides an important short-cut for walkers. The alternative route is nearly a kilometre long. Cornwall Council is persisting with its plan to close the crossing, despite…
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South Bristol link road’s damage to commons and paths
We have objected to the proposed South Bristol Link Road, because of the damage it will cause to Highridge Common, south-west of Bristol, and to the public-path network. Our local correspondent for Bristol, Chris Bloor, has submitted a robust objection to Bristol and North Somerset Councils who are promoting the scheme. Says Chris: ‘We are…
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