Rights of Way
How many paths in Mortimer do you think are protected? By protected we mean the public have a legally protected right to pass and re-pass. There is a definitive map that is held by West Berkshire that marks all paths that are protected but we think there are others. So why are we telling you this. As we all know building space is becoming a premium in the area and developers will try and use as much space as possible. If they fence off or move a border to close a path if it is not on the definitive map, then there is little that can be done to stop it. Across the UK the Country Side Agency estimate that over 10% of paths are not registered. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 states that paths that are not recorded on this map by 2026 will automatically be deemed not a footpath.
The Parish Council has been made aware of three footpaths which are not on the definitive map. These are:
- Between 2 and 4 Windmill Road through to The Bevers,
- The junction of Victoria Road and Stephens Road through to Stephens Firs,
- Between 34 and 35 Stephens Close through to Alfred Palmer Memorial Ground.
The relevant test is whether there is satisfactory evidence that for a period of at least 20 years there has been uninterrupted use by the public. In order to acquire the necessary evidence for West Berkshire Council, the Parish Council, therefore, requests that if any members of the public are able and willing to sign a statement to this effect they should contact the Clerk.
If you know of any other paths that are not marked on the definitive map, then please let the Parish Clerk know. https://gis1.westberks.gov.uk/ApplicationTemplates/OnlineMap/?vln=PUBLIC%20RIGHTS%20OF%20WAY (opens in new window)