SOUTH WILTS GROUP RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION

Footpath committee Meeting  4th June 2008

Present - M Callow, U Milner-White, J Hawkins, S Dawson, P Dashwood, N Cowen, N Martin

Apologies - N Dunnell, G Read

VOLUNTEER WORKING PARTIES  

Heavy - April    Durnford 67 steps repaired (permissive path to BR 13)                             28 hours

             May     2 Wooden K/gates + 1 Stile installed Redlynch 11                                     24.5 hours                                

Light - April      Bowerchalke BR 10 cleared                                                                     12 hours

             May     Whiteparish FP 16 part cleared                                                              14 hours

MATTERS ARISING

Definitive Maps on CD - Martin and John now have copies.

The Monarchs Way Association asked for ‘minders’ for sections of this path through our area. Martin Callow, John Hawkins and Stephanie Down volunteered. It transpired that only John was required. We were thanked very much for volunteering these 3 people.

Nick issued letters of identification to the volunteers present.

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Signing Access Land -  The letters have gone out to landowners 3 weeks ago and some replies have been received. Graham will be asked to progress the pilot scheme in the Alvediston area in the near future.

2. Redlynch Project - Two wooden kissing gates have been installed on Redlynch 11, work will continue in June

3. Footpath Reports - 8019 - 8036

4. Correspondence and Agreed Responses

4.1 WCC - Addition of footpath to Plaitford Common Landford 26 Order now confirmed to add this to Definitive Map.

4.2 WCC - Claimed footpath Shrewton 40 no objections received so order confirmed however administrative error required re-advertisement, will be reconfirmed following new consultation period.

4.3 WCC -  Claimed FP or BR 11 at Wyle Order made and advertised awaiting objections (until June 20)

4.4 WCC - Durnford FP 24 (path to church) order now confirmed to be added to Definitive Map.

4.5 WCC - Application to add path at Winterbourne turned down due to lack of user evidence.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

John reported that some gates on Firsdown 5 (Roman Road) have been taken down allowing more access for vehicles which could lead to more damage. He will discuss the details with Nick.

John also asked about the position of field edge paths. It appears that the global shortage of wheat has encouraged some farmers to crop right up to the edge of fields where there are paths. The one and a half metre requirement for field edge paths was still the standard expected.

Nick reported that the way-marking and replacement of signposting on the Avon Valley Path is complete. The Clarendon Way is next for this treatment. He also reported that work has been concentrated in Whiteparish to try to rectify the problems identified by Graham in his survey. Staff are being trained on how to use the small tractor that will be used for path clearance in the county.

NEXT MEETING    Monday August 4th 2.00 pm Wilton Depot Meeting Room.