Pathway in Melksham East could be removed

A footpath in Melksham East could be permanently removed as a public right of way due to lack of use after Wiltshire Council backed an order at a recent meeting.

The footpath runs behind properties in Fieldfare Way, linking Skylark Road and Sandridge Road.

At the Western Area Planning Meeting on Wednesday 22nd April, Wiltshire Council supported an order to extinguish the route, citing low usage and the presence of a nearby accessible alternative.

If confirmed, the path will no longer be a legal public right of way. The order will now be submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a final decision.

The application to close the path was submitted by a local resident in 2024 due to concerns about antisocial behaviour, lack of use and overgrown foliage, including falling trees damaging neighbouring fences. Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council supported the application earlier this year.

Following public engagement, 63 residents supported the proposal and three objected.

Wiltshire councillor for Melksham Cllr Charlie Stokes told the meeting, “The estate was built about 15 years ago. I can say as a resident on that estate that it does not seem to have been used very much. I know a lot of residents who are on the estate who didn’t know it existed and it hasn’t been maintained very well. That has been a let down from Wiltshire Council and had they there may had been more usage of it but also next to a wooded area that doesn’t feel very safe. It has never been a safe area that people have felt they could use.”

However, West Wilts Ramblers Footpath Officer Dave Yearsley, who objected to the application, said the route had not been used because it had “never been available.”

He said, “The council has allowed the path to deteriorate, systemic and long-term and cannot use that as a justification to remove it.

“The path does not need expensive reclamation as there is an added alternative route into Fairfield Way. It needs to be an established for example a narrow, gravel path with tree, ground cover and hedge line. Ideally a small semi-wild area that could be extended south and complimenting the open space leading to Snarlton Lane.”