former farmer
Member
- Location
- Worcestershire
You could always enquire if they are prepared to consider closing or re-alighning any of the existing footpaths on your property as a starting point. Don't hold your breath for their reply.
Problem is that the off roading fraternity on either trail bikes or whatever seem to think that a bridle way is the same as a green lane. You might end up with a churned up muddy track.
ThisDon't
It won’t restrict your own access for farming purposes, surely? However, it will mean that the Highway Authority will only be obliged to maintain it to a standard compatible with its downgraded status, which probably means no tarmac.Dont do it. I have been in a battle over a proposed bridalway for the last 10 years. Our roadway was actually constucted as part of an enclosure act giving rights of access to all the land owners. The council now want our permission to downgrade to a bridalway which we have refused as it will restrict access for vehicles.
It won’t restrict your own access for farming purposes, surely? However, it will mean that the Highway Authority will only be obliged to maintain it to a standard compatible with its downgraded status, which probably means no tarmac.
Unless the gates have always been there, I suspect the Council (if they act as Highway Authority) has a statutory obligation to remove them.Has already happened with gates put across the enclosure act roads despite the act saying no gates to be erected. Council are supposed to be the enforcing authority to remove the gates but have refused to use there powers so far to remove the gates.
Unless the gates have always been there, I suspect the Council (if they act as Highway Authority) has a statutory obligation to remove them.
I would write to the council, insisting that they exercise their duty under section 130 (I) of the Highways Act 1980. If they don’t, then take them to court.That is the problem the council do not want to take responsibility for the roads on the enclosure act land even though its probably there duty to but if they can down grade it to a bridalway then the problem they think will go away. Unfortunately I have no idea who to contact to move it forward. Neither Parish Council or MP are in the slightest concerned. All they say is you have an alternate access road so why are you concerned. The fact that every time it snows the alternate road blocks easily due to drift off the fields is totally irrelevant in there minds.
i have already done this by giving a permissive route on the existing footpath so it does not go through the farm,but goes down the side of a field instead,and closing the farm part.You could always enquire if they are prepared to consider closing or re-alighning any of the existing footpaths on your property as a starting point. Don't hold your breath for their reply.