Better online reporting, new volunteer opportunities and improvements to footpaths, bridleways and byways feature in a brand-new county wide improvement plan.
Feedback from more than 1,200 people has helped shape the boosts to Leicestershire County Council’s rights of way network.
The county council is responsible for more than 1,900 miles of public rights of way, a much-loved network of rural and urban paths used for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheeling.
The council’s cabinet will consider adopting the 10-year improvement plan when it meets next week (Tuesday).
Councillor Charles Whitford, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took time to share their views. We had some great suggestions, which have informed the finished document.
“Rights of way in Leicestershire have evolved over hundreds of years and are so important for health, wellbeing and access to nature.
“By investing in better paths, clearer signs and more accessible routes, we’re making it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors and travel sustainably. It’s really important we take action now to preserve these paths for future generations.”
The 10-year plan includes
- An improved online reporting service
- New volunteer opportunities
- Better accessibility
- More guided walks and rides
- Accessibility improvements like replacing stiles with gates and surfacing upgrades in Syston, Burbage and Ashby de la Zouch.
- A survey of the entire Leicestershire Round
- Resurfacing and new signage
It will be reviewed every year to keep pace with changing needs and funding. Staff will work with volunteers, developers and local communities to help deliver the changes.
Rights of Way facts
Every local authority responsible for a rights of way network must produce an improvement plan. Since the last plan was published in 2011, the county council has:
- Installed more than 1,700 new hand or kissing gates
- Removed over 1,500 old stiles
- Put up more than 15,000 ‘waymarker’ posts to show the way ahead
- Repainted more than 25,000 posts
- Made more than 10,000 visits to clear vegetation
- Strimmed more than 1,000 miles of paths