Foothpaths

[dankeith]

Does anybody know what it takes to force the closure of a footpath? (vandalism, nuisance etc... )

[Toureman]

If it is a public footpath it would be more or less impossible.

[Robert G]

If you mean a public footpath, I think you'll find it takes a Footpath Closure Order which can only be made by the relevant highway authority. I am sure it is not easy to achieve because highway authorities have a duty to assert the public's rights and protect the public rights of way. In certain circmstances the authority may agree to make a closure order but it would almost certainly entail creating an alternative route for the footpath which should be no less convenient to users.

I suggest you contact your local highway authority, probably your county council, and ask for their Public Rights of Way Manager.

[Buenchico]

A local authority may make an order closing (or diverting) a public footpath on the grounds of crime prevention. However, this can only be done within an area which the Secretary of State has designated as a 'high crime' area.

If the path does not lie within a designated high crime zone, then your chances of getting it closed are almost nil.

As Robert has already suggested, your first point of contact should be the relevant officer of your local council. (Job titles vary but every local council will have someone responsible for footpaths).

Chris

[dankeith]

Just as I thought really. Many thanks for answers.

[logman]

It usually takes something like foot and mouth disease to get public foot paths closed.

If you are having trouble with vandalism, fly-tips etc, dont feel you have to suffer in silence, as stated above, contact your loal authorities or police, who should be equiped to deal with this sort of problem..

[chiarli]

The only way you can get a footpath closed after it has been made by the council or argued by an inquiry, is by going to high court and apealing which is what i am doing at this moment in time, lots of dosh and sleepless nights