Rights of Way Forum concerned footpaths could be affected by housng developments

The recent Rights of Way Forum discussed a range of issues, including concerns that local footpaths could be affected by housng developments.

Planning issues were discussed with Julie Simpson who is the councils Rights of Way (ROW) officer, and the consultee in respect of any public rights of way issues.

Roy Thorniley, footpath and countryside secretary for Rochdale Ramblers reported that: ‘Checks are to be made following concern about the proposed development of 119 houses in the area around Spring Mill near Prickshaw which could affect some local footpaths.

‘The delay in replacing missing Footpath Signs reported over the years is one of the issues to do with a Public Rights of Way officer being out of post for six years. 

‘Bearing that in mind we shall look back over previous reports and let the ROW officer have a list of those locations reported where footpath signs are missing. 

‘The contractor strimming footpaths has, to date, been working in the Heywood, Littleborough and Middleton areas, as evidenced by photographs passed round at the meeting.

‘Harriet Morley, the Rights of Way apprentice, has completed her survey of the condition of the Rochdale Way, noted the lack of signs and drawn up a schedule of other work to be completed.

‘Harriet and the ROW officer Julie Simpson have also checked the sections of the Pennine Bridleway which lie within the Rochdale area and drawn up another schedule of work.

‘The open forum discussed the locked gate which has been obstructing a footpath at Shawfield in Norden for a number of years which has been removed this month.

‘Attention is required for loose footboards at Coal Bank Bridge, Norden.

‘The ROW Officer's report about the claim for a Public Right of Way between Middleton Road, Heywood, and Siddal Farm, Birch, is to be considered by the Middleton Township Committee on 11 October.

‘The possibility of establishing a bridleway/footpath in the Ashbourne Street area of Norden is to be looked into by those interested in such a development.   

'The Healey Dell Trestle Bridge was demolished in September, the Council’s structural engineer assessed the bridge and concluded that it was in a dilapidated condition as the beams carrying the deck were rotten. In order to ensure public safety the bridge has been removed and that part of the public right of way has been stopped up. The line of the footpath has now been permanently diverted a short distance further north.'

The next forum is scheduled for Thursday 17 January 2019.