Ramblers keep footpath open

Rochdale Ramblers have been successful in stopping the closure of a footpath in Heywood.

Members of the Rochdale Ramblers gave evidence at a public inquiry opposing an application to close a public footpath running between St Andrews Drive and Newhouse Road in Heywood.

In January 2012 Rochdale Council received a planning application from the Heywood Together Trust on behalf of two residents, who wanted to extend their gardens and close the footpath.

There were objections to the proposals which led to the Council referring the matter to the Secretary of State for a public inquiry.

The inquiry was chaired by Inspector Martin Whitehead in late February.

During the inquiry, the Heywood Together Trust presented a case for the closure of the road based on incidents of anti social behaviour taking place along the footpath.

Roy Thorniley, Footpath Secretary for the Rochdale Ramblers, argued against the closure of the footpath on the grounds that it was well used on a daily basis by hundreds of residents, parents and school children.

The inquiry inspector submitted a full report based on evidence presented and in April the Ramblers group were told that the Secretary of State had chosen not to confirm an order for closure and that the footpath was to remain open.