This is the footpath report for March 2025. It contains reports on the following paths/issues:

Lathom FPs 87 and 88 | Barton FP 22 | Poulton le Fylde FP 04 | DMMO Flensburg Way Track, South Ribble 804-685 | Much Hoole FP 02 | Whittingham FP 04 | Wheelton FPs 8 and 10 | FP clearance – Penwortham FP 04

Lathom FPs 87 and 88

Letter received from LCC about the above FPs which go from Meadow Lane to Bleak Lane, Lathom indicating a claim for it to be recorded as a bridleway, asking for observations. Passed the letter to Roger and Geoff.

Barton FP 22

This proposed order to divert a FP near the former Boars Head PH, with a new housing development now taking place, with diversion being confirmed. Papers passed to Brian.

Poulton le Fylde FP 04

A DMMO was received, which was to extend Poulton le Fylde FP 04 from Aldon Rd to Holts Lane across the railway line, and then divert it over a footbridge. Email passed to Fylde Group.

DMMO Flensburg Way Track, South Ribble 804-685

On the 27^th Dec 20 (between Xmas and New Year, which is over four years ago) the BHS (British Horse Society) made a submission to LCC to add a track on the west side of Flensburg Way, with a request for comments being recently received from LCC; which seems to be the first action by Lancs CC.

I wrote to CO stating that this seems a slow response, and if they are seeking examples of slow response by Highway Authorities, then this could be a suitable example.

Farington Moss is flat, but it does in winter give a good alternative place to walk, for the tracks are dry under foot. Most of the tracks are shown as being public FPs, but two of the tracks are without any legal status.To re-classify an existing FP as a BW does not normally affect us.

Looking at the web site the application from the BHS was submitted with historical maps, which looks good, but LCC will decide how good or not it actually is. The application did not include any evidence of use.

In correspondence with LCC they stated that since the application that they had received some user evidence, but did not indicate the extent or the quality of this evidence.

I arranged for an email to be sent to members of South Ribble Group and also to those members of other groups living in the vicinity of Farington, requesting that if they had used the tracks without any legal status to contact me.

Much Hoole FP 02

In May 20 the BHS submitted an application for Much Hoole FP 02, which goes from Liverpool Rd to Haunders Lane, to be changed to that of a BW. LCC made an order, which received an objection(s). The Planning Inspectorate have received the application, and are now considering written representations.

Whittingham FP 04 /

Thornley with Wheatley FP 68 – Old Clay Lane

A decision by LCC to change the status of Old Clay Ln from that of a FP to a Restricted Byway. Papers passed to Brian and John Smith (Clitheroe).

Wheelton FPs 8 and 10

I received a proposal for a DMMO that affected Wheelton FPs 8 and 10 at Higher Simpson Fold Barn. The line presently shown for Wheelton FP 10 seems illogical, for if heading south, it is shown as leaving a field, then going through a garden, then it joins Wheelton FP 8, where if you turn left it then takes you back into the same field. Turning right takes you to the A674 Blackburn Rd. Looking on MARIO at a scale of 1:10,000, it shows a black dashed line in the field, but nothing is shown in the garden. My reaction was this a mapping error ? Or was the FP historically on a different alignment to that now being used ?

I copied the papers to Rod. I also visited the site.

I replied to LCC that a DMMO should proceed to align it with the line of the FPs that walkers are now using.

FP clearance – Penwortham FP 04

For some time in 23 and early 24 this FP was officially closed to allow for the clearance of Giant Hogweed. Then it was officially reopened. However, in the time it was closed other vegetation grew, which made use of this FP effectively impossible, so I complained to LCC. Now in Jan 25 the vegetation has been cleared, so it can sensibly be used again.

What is needed are examples of where LCC has done something good, and also of where they have been completely ineffective over a period of time (several months or maybe years). This sort of information would be of use when in discussion with LCC. 

David Kelly

Acting Area Footpath Secretary 24^th Feb 25