EXPLORE LEICESTERSHIRE'S COUNTRYSIDE

Rights of Way

Background
Rights of Way Officers have completed a programme of work which included inspections of footpaths and bridleways that cross arable land and have reminded farmers of the need to remove crops before they cause an obstruction, as required by the Highways Act 1980.  Farmers have also been encouraged to join the Headland Management Project (HMP) and assist the County Council by clearing surface vegetation from paths that run along field edges.

Crop Management Programme
Each summer's inspection programme is based on paths that had reported problems within the last three years, of 454 paths inspected in 2006, 89 were found to be affected by crops.   A total of 69 advisory letters and 17 legal notices were issued and all the affected paths were cleared of crops by the farmers except one.  This path was cleared by the County Council’s contractor and recovery of costs is being pursued.

It is notable that the number of letters and notices sent out this year was considerably fewer than in previous years, approximately 30% less than in 2005 for a similar number of paths inspected.  It is also pleasing to note that the majority of farmers who were contacted cleared their paths immediately and often apologised for the oversight.

Headland Management Project
There are 24 farmers participating in the HMP this year, six more than in 2005 and 89 kilometres of headland rights of way have been cleared.  This is an increase of more than 15.5 kilometres on 2005.

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