Footpath survey nears completion

A security fence across a public footpath in Heywood

Rochdale Ramblers have identified 1,468 footpaths as part of their footpath survey, with the group hoping to be well on the way to surveying the whole of the footpath network in Rochdale by the end of April.

Out of the 1,468 footpaths, 1,417 have been allocated out to group members to be checked and surveyed.

Of the 1,417 footpaths surveyed so far, 142 (12%) need some action to make them fit for the purpose. They include:

• 37 in Milnrow 
• 36 in Littleborough 
• 25 in Wardle 
• 21 with a Rochdale A-F path number 
• 17 in Heywood 
• 6 in Middleton 

The problems:

• 43 are obstructed by landowners – electric fencing and other fencing across paths, e.g. barbed wire across stiles, locked gates, etc. 
• 12 are overgrown at some point and are inaccessible. 
• 57 have damaged stiles, gates, roadside footpath signs and path furniture. 
• 30 are generally overgrown and in need of some attention. 

Roy Thorniley, Footpath and Countryside Secretary for the Rochdale Ramblers, said: “The major concern expressed by nearly all surveyors has been the lack of way marking across the Borough and of course the absence of an up-to-date definitive map. Working to records 40 years old has made the task so much more difficult.

“On the 14 April we will meet Council representatives at the Rights of Way Forum, where we hope to get an update on the progress being made with the review of the definitive map and have an open discussion on how we can resolve the bulk of the 142 footpath problems we have identified so far.”

The group now only has 51 footpaths left to allocate. They are located on the moors above Wardle and Littleborough. 17 are north of Watergrove Reservoir and 34 are east of Turn Slack Dam to Calderbrook Moor in Littleborough.

Mr Thorniley added: “Operationally the survey has gone very well. In the main, landowners have been very co-operative, helping out on the history of local footpaths.

"We have found a stile made from a decorators ladder and a three way finger post that rotates like a helicopter blade when its windy, and much more, too much to mention.

"We have identified several new paths created since the 1976 definitive map was produced.”