Richard Holmes Footpath Secretary


Wanted! A Cirencester Footpath Campaigner 

Charlie Saunders has been a stalwart member of the Footpath Committee since 1999. Apart from providing transport to meetings he has dutifully monitored footpath encroaching developments and footpath diversions. In the past he has assisted in footpath clearing and more recently improving waymarking. However, Charlie has now decided 2010 will be his last year on the Footpath Committee.

 

 

Hence we are seeking a new member to assist with the task of protecting and improving our Rights of Way network. There are a number of tasks which need additional support; these include general monitoring of the footpath network in the 39 parishes in the Cirencester group and on a more specific level there is regular monitoring of certain paths and obstructions. The committee investigates path problems which have been reported both by Ramblers and the general public and submits reports regarding maintenance and enforcement to the County Council.

 

 

The committee checks planning proposals to ensure these do not compromise rights of way and is formally engaged in requests for the extinguishment of paths. There are also temporary diversions and closures to be surveyed and monitored.

 

 

We have contact with landowners, for example where we are consulted about changes to the footpath network.  There is also regular contact with the Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way Team, several Parish Councils and other interested organisations.

 

 

A new initiative is the Gloucestershire Ramblers’ Database where information on all the County’s footpaths is being collated and analysed. This system, which is currently being established, will assist with current action such as letters and emails and will ensure the safe archiving of all the footpath work.

 

 

As a member of the Footpath Committee you will contribute to the work through the quarterly committee meeting, site visits, routine checking of problems and other activities. You are able to choose what commitment you can make and travel expenses can be refunded. We are particularly interested in members who have access to a computer as much of our activity (apart from walking paths) is conducted electronically and via the internet.

 

If you would like to know more, please contact

Richard Holmes, Footpath Secretary.

Tel  01285 659628 or 07726566609(mob) horbox@hotmail.com