Contact:
  • Public Rights of Way
  • Address:
    Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1LA.
  • E-mail:
    PROW@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 477532
  • Fax:
    01225 394205
  • Minicom:
    01225 394166
  • Page Updated:
    19/07/2008
  • Author:
    Matt Mobbs
A to Z Index
My Area...


Subscribe to Inform news icon

and get local news for free.

Rights of Way - Maintenance

Building a Footbridge

Disclaimer: This page provides a general guide to common problems on paths. It is not a comprehensive or conclusive statement of the law nor of Bath & North East Somerset's policy and all problems are dealt with on an individual basis. If you have any specific queries on Rights of Way issues please contact us via the contact details given.

To report a problem please contact the Public Rights of Way team via the contact details given or complete our online Problem Report Form

 

Find out more about how Rights of Way are managed by using the links below:

 

Blocked Paths

Crops grown over path 

Farmers must not obstruct a cross-field footpath or bridleway with growing crops. The line of the path must be clearly marked at all times. Crops over a height of 4 to 6 inches will normally be considered an obstruction. The farmer is required to ensure that a minimum1 metre wide strip is cleared on cross-field footpaths and 2 metres wide on a cross-field bridleway. With crops like maize or rape a wider clearance may be needed to prevent tall crops collapsing over the path later in the season.

 

Fallen Tree

fallen tree

Landowners are responsible for removing fallen trees from paths. The Council will contact landowners to ensure this happens and may remove them itself if they pose an immediate risk to the public.

 Overhanging Vegetation/Hedges

 

Landowners have a duty to cut back adjacent vegetation so that it does not obstruct the path or make it difficult to use it. The Council will take action where necessary to ensure that this duty is met.

 

Surface Vegetation Overgrown

overgrown vegetation
 

The Council is responsible for cutting back vegetation that grows up from the surface of the path (except for most agricultural crops). It has various contracts to ensure that many sections are cut back routinely before problems occur. Other routes will be dealt with as and when required.

 

 Man-Made e.g. locked gate,electric fence,wall,building etc.

locked gate

 

Where paths are illegally blocked, the Council will take enforcement action and prosecutions where necessary to ensure that the public's rights are protected.

 

Path Ploughed Up

reinstated path

 

 

Farmers are allowed to plough out the surface of a cross-field footpath or bridleway in order to plant crops only if it would not be reasonably convenient not to do so. If they do plough a path up they must ensure that the line of the path is clearly marked across the field and a reasonably convenient surface is provided for users within 14 days of first ploughing. If they need to disturb the surface for any subsequent operation, they must re-instate the surface within 24 hours.

 

(back to top)

 

Next page >>