|
FOOTPATH DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Barford Footpath Development Group was set up as a direct result of the findings of the Parish Plan. Our remit is to try to create more footpaths within, and starting from, Barford, with particular emphasis on trying to gain more access to the River Avon.
At the end of September 2006 the Footpath Development Group met with Jo Cooper who is the Principal Access Officer at Warwickshire County Council. We discovered some very useful facts about the various ways that new paths can be created and old ones reinstated.
Following that meeting the Group formulated a plan of action to include trying to reinstate a "lost way" leading from Hareway Lane towards Bishops Tachbrook, looking at the possibility of creating more circular walks, and re-opening an old route across the river (formerly a ford) at Wasperton. The Group will also be giving its full support to WCC in its pursuit of the aims of the CAROWIP (Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan) which include a long-term proposal to create a walk/cycleway along the River Avon from Warwick to Stratford.
We have had meetings with interested parties from our neighbouring parishes of Bishops Tachbrook and Wasperton, and with a local representative of the Ramblers’ Association. We are looking to support existing claims to re-open old paths by providing "witness statements" from older parishioners who can remember having walked the "lost ways" (routes that were not included in the "definitive map" of public rights of way). We have received help with this from Wendy Barlow of the Heritage Group.
We are also looking into the possibility of agreeing with landowners the creation of further paths around the village, potentially on the lines of current arrangements for access to Elliotts Meadows. Progress on this relies on the goodwill of local landowners.
[Back to top]
|
