Council's Rights of Way team slammed over the state of Bromsgrove footpath - The Bromsgrove Standard

Council's Rights of Way team slammed over the state of Bromsgrove footpath

Bromsgrove Editorial 5th Feb, 2021   0

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has come under fire from the Bromsgrove Liberal Democrats over the ‘appalling neglect’ of a footpath in Lickey End.

They say, with Britain entering its third full national lockdown last month, residents had once again been asked to stay at home and only exercise in their local area.

But they added the one running from Alcester Road through Crows Mill to the A38 (pictured) had become completely overgrown with nettles and brambles and was now impassable.

They say some of the signs are no longer there and need putting back to show exactly where the path goes and claim the stiles have been blocked.




Coun Rob Hunter said: “It’s a particular zig-zagging route so it needs to be signposted clearly.

“There are a lot of young families in the area and this could be a great path for them to use when going out for the daily exercise.”


He said he first complained to the council’s Public Rights of Way Team in May but his pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

“I have had responses but nobody seems to be willing to sort it out.

“It really is an appalling case of neglect by the authorities who have a legal responsibility to maintain public rights of way.

“I know others have complained too. Residents in Lickey End should be able to enjoy a nice walk across the fields into Bromsgrove for their daily exercise or essential shopping.

“Instead, they are being forced to walk along busy roads or attempt to scale blocked off stiles.”

Local Lib Dem campaigner Josh Robinson added: “The County Rights of Way Team need to restore proper access to the public footpath themselves as soon as possible and then send them the bill.”

The landowner claimed to the Standard the county council was happy with it and denied it was overgrown, saying nettles did not grow in the winter.

He added it was up to the council to replace the yellow arrow signs.

Coun Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways, said: “We are aware of reported issues on this route and are working closely with the local county councillor to resolve the matter.”

  • WHAT do you think about the footpaths in Bromsgrove District generally? Are they fit for purpose or maybe vast improvements are needed? Send us your views to [email protected]

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