A MAPPING error relating to a footpath in Feckenham is to be corrected after concerns were raised about safety.
Feckenham Parish Council highlighted the issue with the Worcestershire County Councillors for the Redditch South Division, Mike Rouse and Craig Warhurst, after concerns were raised about the safety of the section of footpath that crosses Swansbrook at the rear of Winfields Outdoors.
Worcestershire County Council installed new fencing to protect walkers, and the County Councillors requested a Map Modification Order as there was a long-running question of whether or not the footway should actually run through a neighbouring field, though a formal dispute never arose.
The Modification Order would have allowed the definitive map to be edited so that it reflected the reality on the ground, rather than opening a dispute.
However, on looking into the issue, County Council Officials realised that the footpath was actually laid down correctly in April 1966 following a Diversion Order in the name of the then Secretary of State, Barbara Castle.
However, the Order was not transferred onto the map.
As a result, the map has been wrong all this time.
Coun Brandon Clayton, Borough Councillors for t Redditch North said: “This is a popular footpath that I and many residents have walked for years, so I’m glad the fencing has been sorted along with the additional bonus of a map correction that will clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities in the future.”
Coun Mike Rouse said: “I was surprised to learn that an order wasn’t applied to the map some 50 years ago, but grateful to modern-day officers for finding the mistake and putting it right.
“It saves a dispute with a landowner, which was my main aim”
Coun Craig Warhurst added: “We work as a team and once we found out about this 50 year old problem, we sought appropriate remedial action.”
“This solution will ensure there are no further disputes and allow this well used path to be enjoyed safely by all.”
