Rambler hits out at state of Kirklees’ public rights of way

Nov 2 2010 by Kevin Core, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

KIRKLEES Council has been slammed for the “alarming” state of its public footpaths.

Local officials of the Ramblers’ Association have condemned the state many of the local footpaths.

The council’s Paths Improvement Plan was also criticised as “long overdue”.

The West Riding branch of the Ramblers Association highlighted 1,234 obstructions of which 240 were barbed wire, 103 were buildings and 337 fences, 18 of which were electrified.

There were also 306 walls and 29 fallen trees.

The association described the plan as full of good intentions but short on serious action. It pointed out that in a survey ramblers highlighted the main factor that would prevent them walking was blocked or obstructed routes.

Walker Allan Friswell, who lives in Cowling, North Yorkshire, says the natural beauty of Kirklees is being squandered by a council that cannot spot an opportunity when it sees one.

He said: “If some councils had the resources that Kirklees does, they would utilise them. I travel to walk in Kirklees because of the scenery, I pay to park, I go the shops and have a drink afterwards in the local pub.

“While I’m impressed by the scenery, I’m depressed by the state of the paths. Why should people like me pay to visit Kirklees when the paths are not negotiable?

“The council are not only wasting their landscape, it would surprise me if they knew it existed.

“These are cash strapped times and people are looking to stay healthy.”

Mr Friswell says that looking at Kirklees Council’s online walking resources, he could not find a walk that was longer than six miles – the kind which would attract dedicated walkers at weekends.