Fight to claim right of way on blocked footpath

A WESTBURY councillor is spearheading a campaign to save a footpath between Dilton Marsh and Westbury, after residents grew concerned when it was blocked recently.

The ‘cinder track’ path, which runs alongside the railway line, became cause for concern in the summer when a woman who uses it regularly found it was blocked by rubble.

Town and county councillor Russell Hawker will now be fighting to claim it as a public right of way, starting at Westbury Area Board meeting this Thursday, 6th October.

Cllr Hawker said, “I will act as the co-ordinator for collecting witness statements that need to go with the right of way claim to County Hall. I’d ask anyone who is prepared to sign a form saying that they have used the route any time in the last few decades contacts me so that I can give them the form with the correct map to sign.”

The path passes through private land to connect Dilton Marsh, Oldfield Park, and Westbury train station. Dilton Marsh woman Pauline Medhurst found part of the section leading to the station was blocked by rubble when walking there in July.

She said, “The path was blocked by a mound of rubble larger than myself. I had no time to return the way I had come so clambered over it.

“Wiltshire Council said I could appeal the path closure and I was sent the paperwork, but it is daunting because it involves proving the path has been used for over 20 years and serving notices on the owners.

“Through various local groups I have been told tales of usage, such as one lady who went to college in Trowbridge in the 80s and used it to get home. Surely they should be encouraging people to use the rail network and could leave a small gap for people to walk through?”

The issue will be discussed at this week’s area board meeting, from 7pm at The Laverton on Thursday 6th October.