Closed
Overgrown vegetation obstructing the PrOW MY11
Sent to North Northamptonshire Council less than a minute later. ref: 9767769.
The encroachment is affecting the practical usability of the route and has been doing so for at least 2 months, it should have been cut back in May 2026, creating unavoidable hazards for members of the public. Walkers are increasingly forced into contact with thorned vegetation, whilst the narrowing of the path reduces visibility and conceals the ground surface, increasing the risk of trips, falls and eye injuries. The route is used by a wide range of people, including families, older users and dog walkers, all of whom should reasonably expect to be able to use a recorded Public Right of Way safely. Whilst the primary responsibility for preventing vegetation from obstructing the footpath rests with the adjoining landowner, Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980 provides the Highway Authority with powers to require the owner or occupier to cut back trees, hedges, shrubs or other vegetation that obstructs or endangers users of the highway. Should the landowner fail to comply, the Authority may undertake the necessary works itself and recover the reasonable costs incurred. This sits alongside the Authority's wider duties under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain highways maintainable at public expense and under Section 130 to assert and protect the public's right to the use and enjoyment of the highway. The overgrown vegetation begins at the start of MY11 towards Warmington, it is not possible to reach Warmington without diverting to another field. This matter requires urgent attention as at present the obstruction is in contravention of the Highways Act 1980.
Updates
-
If you believe that your concerns are an emergency (such as flooding, dangerous potholes/carriageway defects, highway obstructions, fallen trees), please call 0300 126 3000, Monday to Friday (9.00 to 17.00). Outside these hours, please call 01604 651074.
-
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.
-
Investigation: Completed (Routine Planned Maintenance) - We can confirm that this path is on our annual Rights of Way mowing programme, currently being undertaken. The mowing programme is carried out twice a year during the peak growing season
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @nnchighways
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.