Diversion and Closure of Public Paths

The Council may make legal orders to extinguish (stop-up or close) or divert paths. The procedures which have to be followed are designed to ensure that the public are made aware of the proposed change, and that anyone who wishes to state their views has an opportunity to do so before a final decision is made.

It is an offence to physically divert or close a path, even temporarily, without lawful authority. Anyone who does so runs the risk of having legal action being taken against them. The Council may take action to reinstate the path and recover the costs from the individual(s) responsible.

The only course of action open to anyone who wants to realign a right of way is to seek the legal closure or diversion of the public rights.

Proposals to change the network can arise from applications or requests made to the Council from members of the public, path users, farmers, or landowners or the Council itself may propose to make a change.

Other people's reaction to a proposed change will often depend on how they see there own interests being affected. People's attitudes may also be influenced by past events on the path or elsewhere. In such instances it is more likely to be difficult to achieve agreement to any formal proposal to divert or close a path.

Public rights of way may also be closed or diverted temporarily. This will allow works to take place either on or beside a public right of way which would endanger public safety. Temporary Closure Orders are made by the Council.

A booklet has been produced detailing the changes to the rights of way network which have occurred during 2005. For a copy of the booklet, please contact us.

Last update: 24/1/2012