South Petherton Walking Group

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Maintaining Footpaths
 
South Somerset has over 1000 miles of Public Rights of Way which provide very important links to the countryside and is also one of the best means of exploring the district. There are many opportunities for walking, riding and cycling in the area, from long distance recreational routes to shorter, circular walks.
 
If you have any concerns about the condition of footpaths, stiles and gates, please report them to:-
 
Paul Attwell - Countryside team
Telephone number 01935 462462 or
Try to give the exact location, and as much detail possible as to what the problems are.
 
It may well be the case that the concern you have noticed is already in hand, and being dealt with by the Countryside team. Somerset County Council provide an interactive map of the whole County showing each footpath which displays if a fault has been reported.(CLICK HERE then go down the page to 'Public Rights of Way and click on New Interactive Map. To access the map you have to agree terms and conditions, again towards the bottom of the page.) There is also a facility available to you to report faults online.
 
South Somerset District Council maintains Public Rights of Way on behalf of Somerset County Council under a Highways Agency Agreement. The Countryside Access Team carries out maintenance on unsurfaced Public Footpaths and also bridleways, RUPP'S (Roads Used as Public Paths) and BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic). This maintenance includes repairs and replacement of stiles and gates on behalf of landowners; vegetation clearance and removal of obstructions.
 
The Countryside Access Team does not deal with roadside verges and hedges or sealed surface paths and pavements e.g. tarmac, paving, concrete or similar. These are dealt with by Somerset Highways (South Somerset Area Office) 0845 3459155.
 
Removal of obstructions on rights of way can often be dealt with by speaking to the Land Owner. Often they are not aware that there is a problem and are more than willing to deal with foot path matters. SPWG has brilliant relations with many local Land Owners who are both our neighbours and friends. If you would like to know what the rules are when dealing with foot paths then CLICK HERE.