Footpath Report for Dec 24 Mid Lancs Meeting
Lea BW 52
In 2023 a claim was made for a BW, by what appears to be a local resident, going from the A5085 (Blackpool Rd) going north to Savick Brook (Canal towpath – Preston Guild route). No opposition was made to the DMMO, so LCC have issued an order for the route, which will be known as Lea BW 52.
Burscough FP 134 & 135 - Boundary Lane (North), Rufford
Previously papers for a claim by the BHS for these FPs to be reclassified as BWs. Roger stated that he thought that the claim was weak.
Received notification that LCC’s Regulatory Committee had accepted the claim. Would expect that the next stage will be for LCC to make an order for the change.
FP claim Footpath From Banks Road To Station Road, North Meols
In a previous report I mentioned a public inquiry into a FP claim in North Moels, where the Inspector gave an unusual verdict that it was a BW.
The Planning Inspectorate have now circulated the order to make the route a BW. We now wait to see if any appeals are made, or other representations made.
I have passed the papers to Roger and Geoff.
Diversion of part of Barnacre FP 38 - at Clarkson’s farm, Barnacre
In July we received details of a proposal to divert the southern end of this FP, which seemed reasonable.
LCC have now made an order to divert this FP.
I have passed the papers to Bryan.
Diversion of part of Barnacre FP 22
Preston City Council have made an order to divert the western part of this FP. It is the former Boars Head PH, which was demolished and it is now the site is now being developed for housing. The western part of the FP is officially closed to allow the development to take place.
I have passed the papers to Brian. Brian stated he had no objections but that this seemed like fait accompli.
Something like this will have needed to go through the planning process. It prompts questions about the need to monitor planning applications. Fortunately in this case the order seemed to be sensible.
Diversion of part of Aughton FP 18
LCC have received an application to divert the eastern part of this FP, in order to improve the privacy and security of a property.
I have passed the papers to Roger and Geoff. Geoff replied that the proposals are alright.
Diversion of part of Mawdesley FP 55
LCC have made an order to divert the western part of this FP in the vicinity of Little Bluestone Cottage on Blue Stone Lane,
I have passed the papers to Rod.
Near Brinscall Hall – Wheelton FP 04
LCC have issued an order to divert the FP which runs NE – SW a short distance to the north, to be approximately parallel to the existing FP, which will move the FP out a properties garden, for some recent development work has taken place. I passed the details to Rodney of Chorley Group. The proposal to do this was received in Oct 23, which at the time I agreed was sensible. Things seem to move slowly in local government.
Diversion of part of Little Hoole FP 24 (Station Rd, Walmer Bridge)
LCC have made an order to divert the southern part of this FP. It is technical change to the FP in order to align it with the route that walkers are actually using.
David Kelly
Acting Area Footpath Secretary 24th Nov 24