SOUTH WILTS GROUP RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION

Footpath committee Meeting 6th April 2009

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

Apologies - N Dunnell, J Hawkins

VOLUNTEER WORKING PARTIES  

Heavy - December         Britford FP 5 -2 Kissing Gates to replace stiles                             20 hours

            January            Rained off                                                                                 4 hours

            February          Fovant 240 square metres brambles etc cleared                           20 hours

                                    Tisbury 3 stiles repaired                                                             6.5 hours

            March               Nil

Light -  December         Ebbesbourne Wake FP 4 200m cleared                                     21 hours
            January            Tisbury FP 53 300m cleared                                                        12 hours

            February          Bowerchalke 22 500m cleared                                12 hours

            March               Tisbury 10         500m cleared                                18 hours

1. MATTERS ARISING

1.1 Wessex Ridgeway path through South Wiltshire. Martin Turnbull and Nicky Dunnell have surveyed section Ludwell to Wardour and way-marked this. They have identified places that need signposts and Nick is aware of these. They will continue with a further section towards Ashmore and report back on this.

2. AGENDA ITEMS

2.1 Footpath Reports - 8072 - 9014

All reports discussed. 8072 Post in position (see AOB), 9002 cleared by Heavy Gang, 9012 cleared by light gang.

2.2 Projects

2.2.1 Access Land Signing

We are still awaiting decision on different more robust signs.

Nick has arranged for one more wooden Kissing Gate to be erected on the Avon Valley Path at the entrance to the New Forest Park (Wilts/Hants Border). More will be installed by heavy gang in April.

 3. Correspondence and Agreed Responses

3.1 Letter from Gordon Norris 10/12/08 - Re BR 8 Fovant - problems with fencing, vehicle use and planning application.

3.2 WCC 06/01/09 Amesbury BR 29 - Announcement of hearing to determine order on 20/01/09.

3.3 WCC 12/01/09 - Order made for changes to Rights of Way in Bulford. No objections received so Order confirmed.

3.4 WCC FEB 09 - Proposed Diversion of Restricted Byway Bulford 24. No comments to be made.

3.5 WCC 03/02/09 Application to add path at Broadchalke. Short path in Village.

3.6 SDC 06/03/09 Proposed Diversion of Whiteparish 3 to allow housing development. Should not affect entrance to FP.

3.7 WCC 17/03/09 Proposed addition of BOAT between Byway 2 and Byway 15 at Ebbesbourne Wake. No comment.

3.8 Planning Inspectorate 05/02/09 - Local inquiry on 21/07/09 re addition of FP at Wylye - Green Lane to old A303.

3.9 WCC 24/03/09 - Change to route of previously advised added FP at Durnford FP 24. No comment.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Norman noted that Ramblers HQ need to be informed of working party member details in order for them to be covered by the new personal accident insurance. Graham and Patricia are collecting this information and will forward it to HQ.

Nick reported that his workforce had started on the many problems of Sedgehill and Semley by erecting missing fingerposts where ROW's leave tarmac roads. Already some of these new posts had been illegally removed; these occurrences will be followed up. It is planned to move on to the ROW's now that better weather is here. David Lacey from Tisbury Walking group has been helping with surveying and way marking.

Nick has examined the paths around the Fovant Badges following a report from Phil Wilson. These paths will be particularly difficult to improve because of the terrain, water courses and cattle damage. It may be possible to try wide steps but these would be a major undertaking. A suggestion was made that maybe an approach to the Fovant Badge Society was appropriate.

Ursula attended the public meeting re Salisbury FP 105 St Ann Place in March. The decision of the Inspector is awaited.

Patricia noted that the Clarendon Way has been re-routed in places to accommodate large walking groups. She asked if the original routes could be way marked for individuals/small groups to walk. Nick will look into this.

Patricia had also noted that the Alderbury Parish Magazine had mentioned the possible help of the Ramblers Association in the quest to re-establish a river crossing. Nobody had heard of any such collaboration.

Graham had looked at problems with stiles that had been reported by Grimstead Parish Council. He agreed to do the minor repairs required.

Graham also asked about progress on reinstating a bridleway in Whiteparish. Nick said that this issue was ongoing.

Graham asked about progress of the computerised reporting system for the Wiltshire website. Nick said that slow progress was being made on both the public interface and the staff reporting issues.

6. NEXT MEETING    Monday June 15th 2009 at 2.00 PM in the Wilton Depot Meeting Room.