Better footpaths

In the past 12 months, 364 stiles have been replaced by gaps in fences or gates – after discussion with landowners. Also, some muddy paths have been resurfaced and signs installed.

Ernie White, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We are helping people to be healthier, by creating better paths where they live, so they can walk more and use cars less. The improvements help anyone who struggles with steps on stiles, including families with smaller children, the elderly, the less mobile and dog walkers.”

See below for more details of the improvement programmes.

The 'Best foot forward' competition, seeking stories about how the changes have helped people, closed on Monday 8th December 2008.

Entries from the competition will shortly appear on this web page.

If you have any questins or comments about the improvement programmes please email footpaths@leics.gov.uk, phone 0116 305 8160 or write to the Countryside Service, Community Services Department, Leicestershire County Council, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8TE

Please use the Report Problem Form for any difficulties on paths.

Gates are the more visible result of better paths projects. Here is a list, going, clockwise around the County of areas where new gates have been targeted:

The map to the right is a snapshot of routes so far targeted: red dots indicate gaps created; blue dots show where gates have been installed; pink lines indicate footpaths and green lines are bridleways.

Hinckley (and Barwell, Burbage and Earl Shilton) 12 Dec 07 (Word document 72kb)
Soar Valley (Sileby, Syston and Rearsby) 02 Jan 08 (Word document 76kb)
Oadby (and Oadby, Bushby and Houghton on the Hill) 31 May 08 (Word document 73kb)
Loughborough West and Shepshed 11 Jul 08 (Word document 75kb)

‘Gap, gate, stile’ sums up the Council’s priorities for removing barriers. Specific paths are targeted for the biggest benefits. This makes paths more accessible to more people including the old and young. In the last 12 months 364 stiles (almost 1 per day) were removed around the County. Where it isn’t appropriate to leave a gap in the fence or hedge new gates are installed. In the last year 265 hand or kissing gates were put in. Pointing the way to walk 100 new roadside signs at the start of paths (known as ‘finger posts’) now tell where the route goes and what is the distance.

Many of the improvement projects are financed as a result of the County Council’s Local Transport Plan. These projects focus on built-up areas where most people in Leicestershire live. Nearly everyone has a path on their doorstep; over 90% of people live within 500 metres of a footpath or bridleway. Walking is the easiest way to get some fresh air and exercise. Better paths help people enjoy the outdoors, explore their local area and make more short trips without using the car.