Agenda item

Path Progress Report

To update the Panel on progress made with Public Rights of Way issues during the period from August 2016 to February 2017.

 

 

Appendix 1 - The Progress Report.

Minutes:

The Principal Rights of Way Officer explained to Members that the report (for information only) updated the progress made with regard to Public Rights of Way issues during the six months from August 2016 to February 2017.  Members were informed that the Progress Report was attached as Appendix 1. It was noted that the Progress Reports were submitted to the Panel in March and September each year, and were also circulated to all members of the borough’s Local Access Forum.

 

Photos of Public Footpath 19 Eton (Southfield) were shown to Members (before and after photos).  It was noted that initially the footpath had not been marked properly but had since been sprayed by the farmer in response to a request from the Rights of Way Officer .  The Chairman stated that going forward she hoped  landowners would be able to submit photos to the ROW team as proof the work had been completed.

 

Photos of the Restricted Byway 11 Bisham (Bisham Woods) surface improvements were shown to Members (before and after photos).  It was noted that the restricted byway had been extremely muddy and that horse riders had found it hard to use.  Members were informed that limestone scalpings had been used and the path was now used by all.  It was noted that limestone scalpings had been used because the woods were owned by the Woodlands Trust and the scalpings contained no  residues of oil and also blended into the surroundings well after a while.  Members were informed that volunteers had been used to help level the spoil on the banks after the contractors had laid the scalpings.

 

Photos of the new Public Footpath 36 Sunninghill (Ascot High Street to Ascot Station) were shown to Members.  It was noted that a salt bin had been added to this new path along with street lights.  It was noted that gates at the entrances to this path were keptunlocked locked as it was a public right of way.

 

Photos of Byway 67 Bray (Hog Oak Lane) width restriction installed were shown to Members (after photo).  It was noted that the width restriction had been requested by the landowner and residents of Hog Oak Lane, strongly supported by Ward Councillors.  Members were informed that the ROW Capital Budget would have funded this work.  It was noted that a combination lock had been installed and that the code had been provided to a local pony & trap owner so he could continue to use the path legally.  The Chairman felt that had been a good compromise.

 

Photos of Public Footpath 18 Hurley (Diversion Order confirmed) were shown to Members (new route opened and old route access restricted)..  It was noted that it was now possible to walk past the statue and enjoy the splendid views.  Members were informed that the old route had been close to the college buildings and as such had been moved for  security and privacy reasons.  It was noted that the  Diversion Order process had taken approximately six  months to complete.

 

Photos of the boardwalk construction at Footpath 5 Sunninghill were shown to Members.  It was noted that the conservation volunteers had added railway sleepers to the previously flooded path.  Members were informed that a hand rail would also be added but that the footpath was already in use. 

 

The Chairman thanked the Principal Rights of Way Officer for his before and after photos which she felt were excellent. 

 

RESOLVED: Unanimously that the Panel noted the report.

 

Supporting documents: