Rights Of Way in the Parish
We have found more helpful work by landowners as reported in the last issue of GMK: one has taken out stiles and replaced them with kissing gates to improve accessibility; another has cleared an overgrown path. Unfortunately, in other cases, our group has found problems. For example, crops have been planted and the right of way not reinstated later. Some stiles are very unstable or even dangerous. We are taking action where we can on these.
We have started collating a list of landowners in the Parish of Gnosall, with their contact details where they have provided them. This helps Gnosall Parish Council try and resolve a right of way issue informally in the first instance, which we feel this is the best approach. If we make no progress on the issue we will then refer it to Staffordshire County Council, particularly if something is dangerous. If you are a landowner who has a public right of way over your land, such as a footpath or a bridle way, it would be most helpful if you could give the Parish Office your details and map references.
Householders in Glendower Close will probably be aware of the official closure of Footpath 84 which used to run through that area. The Parish Council is working with SCC to ensure that the way through from there to Willey Lane via the snicket is kept open; we understand that the process for establishing a new Public Right of Way is taking place.
A lot of people seem to be out walking in the Parish this winter, which is good to see. If you would like to know where our paths are, please check the Definitive Map of Staffordshire. It is available for viewing both at the Parish Office during opening hours and at County Offices; we have also included a link on the Parish Council website. Anyone interested in our work can contact the Parish Office and ask about the PROW Group. Happy walking!