SOUTH WILTS GROUP RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION

Footpath committee Meeting 1st December 2008

Present - M Callow, U Milner-White, P Dashwood, N Cowen, N Martin, G Read

Apologies - N Dunnell, J Hawkins, S Dawson

VOLUNTEER WORKING PARTIES  

Heavy - November        Nil

Light - November          Durnford FP 13 Completed 300mts                      18 Hours

1. MATTERS ARISING

1.1 Wessex Ridgeway path through South Wiltshire. Norman and Nick have still to divide this up into sections suitable for survey. We will then ask for volunteers.

1.2 John has been given the pre 2000 documents from the filing cabinet.

1.3 Rights of Way Improvement Plan. While we generally welcome the proposals we were concerned to see the timescale attached to some, mainly the implementation of a computerised reporting system that many councils have already in place e.g. Hampshire and Dorset. Nick explained that some of the delay is due to trying to find the most efficient hand held devices that will allow those in the field to interact with the main system. Patricia will send a short note to Ron Moore (Area Representative) with our comments.

2. AGENDA ITEMS

2.1. Signing Access Land - Problems with the quality of signs supplied by WCC has unfortunately halted this work. The signs are too flimsy making them easy to remove or damage and they bleach in the sun. Many signs put up have been torn or taken down. Nick suspects local gamekeepers as the landowners had given permission for these to be put in place. Better quality signs will be asked for; if these are forthcoming Graham would like to recommence this work in February.

3. Footpath Reports - 8067 - 8071

4. Correspondence and Agreed Responses

4.1 WCC - Proposed Diversion of Footpath 11 at Newton Tony - E mail received from a local resident which reported a meeting with County Council ROW officers at which 19 objections to the diversion were revealed. Most of these, it was thought could have been avoided if the RSPB had explained the reasons locally before putting in formal documents. The objections were not withdrawn so this will proceed. The local people are interested in a quid pro quo, that footpath 11 be extended by approx 200 metres from where it now ends at junction with Allington 5 to join and access the Newton Toney/Allington road making a circular walk. There is evidence that this extension has been walked for 30 years. Local residents hope that the Ramblers will support this request for a Modification Order when it is sent to WCC. The committee agreed that we would do this.

4.2 WCC - Order made for changes to Rights of Way in Bulford discussed at our last meeting. Comments needed by 6th Jan 09. We have none.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5.1 Patricia asked about getting a sign for Alderbury 16 that goes down to the river where a crossing existed. This is now a cul-de-sac path but as it is a pleasant place by the river Patricia would like a suitable sign put from the road.

5.2 Martin will be working Monday afternoons from next year. It was agreed to start meetings at 10 am so that he can still attend.

5.3 Nick discussed the state of paths in Semley. David Lacey has surveyed the parish and he has agreed with Nick to do some way-marking. Nick is going to purchase some metal gates which he hopes land owners will allow to replace some stiles as the gates will be low maintenance and could solve some of the long standing problems in the area.

5.4 Graham had been asked by the Area Committee to ask about the longstanding problems, raised by the ‘big hit’ campaign, that remain unresolved in our area. These were discussed and were mostly thought to be mapping issues and were problems in principle only. While Nick will continue to bear these in mind he would rather concentrate on ‘real’ problems and continue to try to improve the network for users.

6.NEXT MEETING    Monday February 2nd 2009 10.00 AM Wilton Depot Meeting Room. PLEASE NOTE MORNING START.