Did you know that here in Wrexham we have 850kms of public rights of way? And if you use them regularly you might have something to say about our new Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
This Plan clearly sets out what’s important for us to do and how we can continue to maintain and invest in them given the current financial pressures facing all local authorities at the moment.
We’re currently asking your views on the Plan and would appreciate it if you would take the time to take a quick look and email your comments.
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The Plan is available here and details of how to respond.
Since we first published our Plan in November 2007 substantial improvements in the accessibility of the public rights of way network have taken place.. In surveys, ease of use of paths has improved from 39% in 2007 to 77% in 2016 due to sustained investment in stiles, gates, bridges and finger posts using grant aid from the Welsh Government.
A total of 1726 lengths of paths received work, 177 bridges and bridge crossings were repaired, 713 new kissing gates, 528 stiles were installed or repaired and 1053 finger posts are now in place identifying rights of way.
The new plan seeks to work closely with Community Councils and to encourage a much greater involvement in improving rights of way by local people.
It’s priority will be to continue to improve the existing rights of way system before major additions are made to the network.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We all use public rights of way and they are essential for connecting our communities with the countryside.
“We are prioritising our work on maintaining the existing network and making sure our paths are accessible for those with impaired mobility. This will be a challenge with reduced funding but officers and myself are committed to maintaining and improving the existing public rights of way for everyone to use.”
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