LOCAL walkers are celebrating after two popular footpaths have been saved.
The paths – along the river Avon from Murray Walk, past the Black Bridge to 40 acres and up to Woodrow Road; and the other, from the Scotland Road play area to the Black Bridge – were under threat as they weren’t designated as footpaths.
But a local walker, Trevor McMaster, has won a legal battle to have them protected as public rights of way.
“People have been walking these paths for decades but they weren’t part of Wiltshire Council’s public rights of way list, known as the Definitive Map and Statement,” said Trevor.
“It meant the paths could be lost, so I’m absolutely delighted to win the case at a public inquiry.
“There was a lot of work involved gathering evidence from other walkers and dog walkers that they had walked the paths and with filling out the necessary forms. The only way I could do it was by asking walkers when I was out if they would fill out forms and if they knew of anyone else who would be interested in doing so. It’s evidence from walkers that the inspector was looking for.
“I initiated the application back in October 2017 and after delays from Covid and objections from landowners, the public inquiry looking into the evidence was held on 13th June at the Forest Community Centre, with the inspector ruling that the rights of way should be established.”
Trevor said he applied for these routes to be protected so he and other people could walk their dogs and enjoy the views along the River Avon.
The decision by the inspector to grant the rights of way was confirmed late last month.
“Lots of the dog walkers when they recognise me say that they are so pleased someone has done something about it,” added Trevor. “It’s important to get the paths registered now because the government is changing the law and there will be no new rights of way granted after 2026.
“Praise must be given to Dr Phil Wadey, a leading authority on rights of way, for the way in which he advised me to approach things and word things. People knew I was quite intent on getting the rights of way established, but thanks have to go to the local people who took the trouble of filling in forms and providing the evidence I needed.
“It’s great news that the walks are now guaranteed for people to enjoy forever.”