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Historic footpath re-opened in Narborough
Posted on 18/09/2009
Community Services
People can once more use a historic public footpath between Narborough and Enderby which has been opened-up by Leicestershire County Council.
The re-opened footpath runs from Forest Road, Narborough to Ten Pound Lane, Enderby, across Carlton Park which was once the site of the Carlton Hayes Hospital. The path gives access to pleasant open countryside in what is otherwise a built-up area.
New kissing gates, steps, footpath signs and Leicestershire's trademark yellow-topped waymark posts were swiftly installed by the council's contractors after the public's right to use the path was confirmed following a public hearing.
The re-opening of this path is the culmination of a long-running campaign by local residents and the Narborough Parish Council. The route of the path was closed for 14 years due to a dispute over its legal status. The path was not officially recorded as a public right of way. However the parish council was able to marshal good evidence showing people had freely used the path 'as of right' for many years before the dispute started.
Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: "Although the County Council had to stay neutral in the dispute over this path, I am very pleased people can now use it. The route is a useful link between two large communities. Since it re-opened we’ve had very positive feedback from local residents."
The County Council has also added the path to the 'Definitive Map' which is the legal record that confirms a footpath, bridleway or byway is a public right of way. Keen walkers may want to update their Ordnance Survey maps. The route of the path is shown on the web at www.leics.gov.uk/z113.pdf
More information about where to walk or ride in Leicestershire is on the web at: www.leics.gov.uk/countryside
Notes:
The Definitive Map was first compiled in the 1950s, largely based on submissions from parish councils. However there were gaps in these submissions so some historic routes and well-used paths are not shown on the map as public rights of way.
Unrecorded routes are added to the Definitive Map following either the decisions of Government inspectors, or where it is justified by uncontested evidence. Old maps and records, and the testimonies of people who have used the path without hindrance can support the case.
Routes are also added to the Definitive Map where developers and landowners agree to dedicate new rights of way.
Nearly everyone has an existing right of way almost on their doostep; over 90 per cent of people in Leicestershire live within 500 metres of a footpath, bridleway or byway.
Walking is the easiest way to have some fresh air and exercise and local paths are an ideal way to explore more.