Walkers call for upgrade of paths
By Kate Ash on Thursday, 1st June 2000.
ABOUT 80 per cent of people in Suffolk want the county’s footpaths improved, according to a new survey by The Ramblers’ Association.
The association, which represents walkers, has found 1,300 problems on the county’s footpaths.
Common problems include blocked and overgrown paths and the situation is set to get worse as summer crops grow.
The Ramblers’ Association has urged Suffolk County Council to clear public rights of way.
Ian St John, Ramblers’ Association Suffolk area footpath secretary, said: “Suffolk paths are an essential part of the county’s cultural heritage and people rely on the council to protect that heritage.
“The council’s footpaths staff work exceptionally hard but without support from the bigwigs they have an impossible task.
“The results of our poll show the people of Suffolk are no longer prepared to accept this kind of shoddy treatment.”
Brian Newton, council recreation and access leader, said: “We know that only 70 per cent of our network is properly maintained.
“Things will improve this year as we have employed three new staff to maintain rights of way. An extra £40,000 is being invested in the region’s footpaths.”
He added the council was fighting a running battle to stop footpaths being ploughed up by landowners.
The association, which represents walkers, has found 1,300 problems on the county’s footpaths.
Common problems include blocked and overgrown paths and the situation is set to get worse as summer crops grow.
The Ramblers’ Association has urged Suffolk County Council to clear public rights of way.
Ian St John, Ramblers’ Association Suffolk area footpath secretary, said: “Suffolk paths are an essential part of the county’s cultural heritage and people rely on the council to protect that heritage.
“The council’s footpaths staff work exceptionally hard but without support from the bigwigs they have an impossible task.
“The results of our poll show the people of Suffolk are no longer prepared to accept this kind of shoddy treatment.”
Brian Newton, council recreation and access leader, said: “We know that only 70 per cent of our network is properly maintained.
“Things will improve this year as we have employed three new staff to maintain rights of way. An extra £40,000 is being invested in the region’s footpaths.”
He added the council was fighting a running battle to stop footpaths being ploughed up by landowners.
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