HOW DO I REPORT A PATH PROBLEM?

We’ve all come across them, whether a single strand of barbed wire stretched across the path, or a more substantial obstacle such as a newly-built barn or even a pond! But how does the average walker go about getting these problems resolved? We depend on walkers spotting and reporting these problems; it’s the easiest way to help us in our work.
Here’s how to go about it.

WHY ARE PATH PROBLEM REPORTS SO IMPORTANT?

The most important reason for reporting path problems is, of course, to get them resolved. Few highway authorities have the resources to carry out their own surveys of the state of the path network, so they rely on path users telling them when something has gone wrong. Path problem reports also send an important message to authorities - that members of the public want to be able to use paths. The more public interest that is shown in paths the more likely it is that the authority will spend money on them.

WHAT IS A PATH PROBLEM?
Anything that spoils your enjoyment of a walk. The selection below should give you a good idea of the type of problem that should be reported:

• Undergrowth, hedgerow encroachment, overhanging branches, or fallen trees.

• Missing or broken stiles, bridges, gates, signposts, or waymarks.

• Ploughing or cropping.

• Barbed wire, fences, rubbish, or rubble.

• Misleading notices.

• Dangerous animals.

HOW DO I REPORT A PROBLEM?

When you come across a path problem on one of your walks in England and Wales simply follow these steps:

1. Note down the location and details of the problem. Grid references are very useful (help with these can be found at www.useyourpaths.info/gridreferences.php).
Photos are useful too, so if you’ve got your camera take a few shots of the problem.

2. Write to the Public Rights of Way Officer at the relevant highway authority (see below). Standard forms are available from the Ramblers, but a letter or email is just as good. Outline the details of the problem you encountered, giving as much information as possible. Remember to include your contact details.

3. Make a copy of your letter or form to the highway authority and send this to Ramblers main office. This will be forwarded to our local footpath secretary for information. You can also do this online by completing a Footpath problem report form

4. If possible, we would encourage you to go out and check on any promised action and satisfy yourself that the problem has been resolved.

5. If the problem has not been resolved within a reasonable timescale (say, three months), write again to the highway authority requesting action

WHAT ARE HIGHWAY AUTHORITIES?

Highway authorities are the County Council for the area in question (i.e. they are not District, Town, Parish, or Community Councils). Highway authorities are responsible for ensuring that all paths are open and useable for the public. Although councils vary widely in their internal organisation and staffing structures, path problem reports in Gloucestershire can be sent to the authority by opening page https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=18463

HOW CAN I BECOME MORE INVOLVED?

If you would like to become involved in footpath work in a more structured way, contact Phil our Chairman