New path at Brooksby
In last autumn’s newsletter Neil explained the plans of Network Rail to reduce the number of level crossing. This remains an issue and we understand that Network Rail has unilaterally closed a footpath A117 at Little Bowden at SP742866 after LCC refused their requests for a temporary closure. Better news at Brooksby where H56 has been diverted to take walkers over the light controlled road crossing just a few metres away. The new path is of a high standard, see picture right.
From our Chairman – Neil B First just a brief reminder that we are halfway through the walking year and are still looking for volunteers for the roles of Secretary and a Diversions Secretary. Where are you? We welcome and thank a new volunteer as Minutes Secretary – Jackie B. We must thank Jennifer Macg for the many years she admirably filled that role. Am I a cynic or has Global Warming and Climate Change passed us by in Leicestershire? We had a very good April weather-wise but the media hyped 3 months of hot summer weather didn’t materialise. It turned out much as usual – mixed. It was quite dry so it was good for we walkers. I got my first muddy boots on September 1st. On the Tuesday walks Martin and Lynn are hoping they will soon be able to pass on the Mud Trophy as they have held it since 25th November 2014. To new and old members, enjoy your winter walks and the camaraderie of the L.F.A.
Good news at Ratcliffe College The Leicestershire Round at Ratcliffe College has been a bit messy for some years so we are delighted that the issues have been resolved and our warden has been able to waymark the route making clear where the path now leaves the track and heads off across the sports field towards the A46 Fosse Way.
Footpaths at Elmesthorpe
The difficulty the County Council has had is that whatever solution has been proposed one faction or other of the local community and landowners has vehemently objected and we are now looking at our 5th proposal (8th Plan) since 2000. I’m still plugging away at this case in the background but I regret there is going to be no quick solution. I’m sorry to report this is the current situation. The County Council takes seriously its duty to assert and protect the publics’ right to the use and enjoyment of public rights of way but this case has sadly proved to be one of the most obstinate ones to resolve. (Ed’s note) There is a route through the area that people on occasion still use. Take Bridleway U52 (Bridle Path Road) for around 350 metres then turn left into Billington Road East (not a public right of way). From this track we have, in the past, been able to access a version of the southern section of the path. Talk to Roger to help push the matter forward.
Walk Leaders please note. If you are leading a walk for LFA you should be aware of our ‘Check List and Information for Leaders’ it’s on the website, please download a copy and read it. Many of our walks have large numbers where the leader will lose sight of the rear so it is essential that a back marker be appointed. Preferably someone who knows the route but if not the leader should appoint someone on the day. It might also be helpful for leader and back-marker to exchange mobile numbers in case of an incident occurring.
LFA Needs YOU to Volunteer It’s the job of a newsletter to be positive about the organisation it represents but at times the editor finds this a challenge. Looking back at the Spring edition I’m reminded of the requests for members to lend a hand with little walking related tasks. While the usual stalwarts have offered to help if they can fit more hours into their already overloaded diary, we still have some jobs that need YOU to volunteer:- ● General Secretary ● Diversions Secretary ● Committee members Unless a new secretary can be found and new committee members, the future of the Association will be placed in jeopardy.
Leicestershire Round We have become aware of short sections of the Round that are not on the Definitive Map. This has the potential for these short paths to be reclaimed back into private hands and walkers barred from using the path. We ask you please to contact the secretary if you have walked the whole route of the Round at any time and in particular sections at Thorpe Langton, Thorpe Satchville and Leire.
Lost Ways You should now be aware that as part of the extra access we were granted under the Right to Roam legislation landowners were promised an end date after which historical evidence could not be used to claim a path across their land. This has created a huge task, much larger than anyone expected, to trawl through old records searching for paths that were missed off the original drawing up of the Definitive Map back in the early 1950s. Leicestershire has potentially 1,500 or more unrecorded paths which will be lost after the cut off date of 2026. If you have an interest in walking footpaths but perhaps can no longer get out in the fields and would like to spend time in a warm dry office, then we need YOU to volunteer to spend a few hours in the Records Office at Wigston.
Newsletter compiled for LFA by Ken B Visit our website at:- http://leicestershirefootpaths.wordpress.com/