Closed
Overgrown and lacking a waymarker at this location.
Sent to North Northamptonshire Council less than a minute later. ref: 7993040.
Thank you for your previous comments an investigation. However I still believe an additional waymarker needs to be placed at this north point where the signed footpath from Shotley joins the Jurassic Way footpath. It would certainly help walkers to find a clear route. At present the the crop field has an ample 1m plus width. Then they get to a point 30m away that is due to be cut for hay, and skirt it to the right following the crop line, or randomly walk through the hay to reach the Jurassic Way footpath. A waymarker here as well would sign the correct direction to use, and clear up issues with unauthorised access by horses who have already accessed this from the west (Harringworth), but not crossed the footbridge. It is sad that you have inspected this footpath and found it to be suitable for being accessible to walkers, wheelchair users, including powered wheelchair users and mobility scooters at this point. It would clearly not be possible for the latter groups of people because neither is maintained with the 1m required width should they wish to try. Possibly if you could try to push an empty wheelchair around both areas instead, there will be a different conclusion. The suggestion to call the local policing team on 101 is irresponsible "to report incorrect usage of a footpath". They have better things to do. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate waymarkers and access is made, and preferably not within 12 months of a report. 101 would give up on me by then and concluded that no adequate signage is in place to proceed.
Updates
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If you believe that your concerns are an emergency (such as flooding, highway obstructions fallen trees), please call 0300 126 3000, Monday to Friday (9.00 to 17.00). Outside these hours, please call 01604 651074.
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Thank you for reporting a fault. Officers will now investigate the concerns and this may take up to 5 working days. If you believe that your concerns are urgent then please phone us.
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Investigation: Completed (Reported to a third party) - We can confirm that it is our legal responsibility to ensure that Public Rights of Way are signposted from the highway, which this footpath is. We are, however, very conscious of sign clutter in the countryside and, as such, only install waymarkers where they are deemed absolutely necessary. A further site visit has been carried out at this location, and we can confirm that, at present, we do not consider a waymarker to be required. If routes are kept clear and well maintained, and users are equipped with the appropriate tools—such as maps—then the need for waymarkers should be minimal. Unfortunately, North Northamptonshire Highways is not in a position to address or prevent any misuse currently occurring on this footpath. We advise that any incidents of antisocial or illegal activity on Public Rights of Way be reported to Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Community Team via 101, which is the appropriate reporting method for these matters.
In regards to the hay/crop obstruction, the landowner will be contacted and reminded of their statutory responsibilities to ensure that all Rights of Way that cross their arable land are marked out on the ground and to remain marked all year round.
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This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.