Decision expected soon on right of way claim on railway path

A DECISION is expected soon on the fate of a footpath between Dilton Marsh and Westbury, that residents and councillors have been campaigning to have claimed as a public right of way.

In 2016, the White Horse News reported that residents had become concerned when the ‘cinder track’ path, which runs alongside the railway line, was found blocked by rubble.

Until this discovery, the path, which passes through private land, was used by residents to connect Dilton Marsh, Oldfield Park, and Westbury Railway Station.

Led by town and county councillor Russell Hawker, a public right of way claim was submitted to Wiltshire Council in March 2017.

Initially it was feared that the claim stood no chance of success as since 1949, claiming a right of way by prescription on railway and port land has not been allowed.

However, evidence was found that the path was in use before 1949, meaning that the claim could proceed.

The decision report is currently with senior officers at the Rights of Way and Countryside department at Wiltshire Council for approval.