THE report of walkers from Kington St Michael experiencing difficulties on our Public Rights of Way network is neither surprising nor unusual. No doubt their encounters with crops, padlocks on gates and crossing a busy dual carriageway took away some of their enjoyment of a walk.
The problems highlighted in Community News (Gazette & Herald, July 27), demonstrate the necessity to continue to use our country footpaths or they will disappear completely.
Landowners are not taking responsibility for maintaining the rights of way on their land which they are supposed to do. When landowners say they do not see people walking the footpaths on their land regularly, this is used as an excuse not to maintain and hence the inevitable non-use with wonky stiles, locked gates and overgrown routes.
Parish councils can be approached in the first instance to try to proceed with the unblocking of paths. They have the local knowledge and are helpful. Failing that, then contact Wiltshire Council for big problems.
Finally, when leading a group, however informal, a recce of the route before is useful. All credit to the ladies for taking to the paths and using their local routes.
MRS J GOSNELL
Vowley View
Royal Wootton Bassett
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