Ramblers criticise North Yorkshire's path network (From The Northern Echo)

Ramblers criticise North Yorkshire's path network

5:09pm Thursday 8th July 2010 in Catterick

RAMBLERS are being warned North Yorkshire is a black-spot with many paths in need of urgent work to ensure they stay fit for use.

The Ramblers Association has criticised North Yorkshire County Council for not doing enough to protect public paths.

The walkers’ group has listed the county council on its Dead End campaign, its rights of way risk list, and claims there are 10,000 problems on the county’s public paths.

The campaign urges authorities to raise the priority given to walkers and it is offering expertise and local volunteers to help.

Rachel Alcock, the Ramblers campaign officer, said: "Difficult paths will soon become impossible to use, creating dead ends across the network.

"Walking is for everyone, that’s why we’re calling on local councils to work with the Ramblers and ensure they keep path maintenance a top priority."

She added: "The Ramblers is offering expertise with practical help and advice to the council, to put walkers and pedestrians top of their priority list again."

Amongst the other authorities under fire from the Ramblers is Cornwall, Doncaster, Worcestershire and Suffolk councils.

Richard Walker, the county council’s head of countryside services, said: "North Yorkshire has the largest network of rights of ways in the country.

"There are around 10,000 issues on North Yorkshire’s rights of ways. They do range in severity from a dangerous animal along the way right up to a sizeable blockage.

"Routes will not be lost forever and we’re confident that the problems are being reduced in terms of numbers.

"We’re looking to prioritise to make sure that the most used routes are open to the public for use."

For further details on the campaign visit www.ramblers.org.uk/Campaigns+Policy/deadend.