MEGA-FOOTPATH PROBLEMS
Most of the Diversion and Modification Orders to PRoWs (DMMOs) published by the County Council are not contentious and therefore the Ramblers do not object to them. Sometimes a suggestion to the Modification Order is made by David Godfrey (Oxfordshire Area Footpath Officer) which leads to a better alternative route. However there are a number of major footpath issues currently affecting Public Rights of Way in the Vale of White Horse. They are listed below.
1. Marcham Mill – Bridge repairs - Closure of path since 2013 SU 457953 293/17 (Marcham). This has been closed for a number of years as the land-owner has refused to carry out repairs to the bridge which has become unsafe. He has also refused to allow the County County to erect a temporary bridge over the stream. The latest news from OCC is that representatives of the Land-owner are at last discussing technical issues with OCC staff.
2. Thames Trail – Obstruction at Oxford Boat Hire premises SP 444076 184/55 (Cumnor). Again a long standing problem. The footpath which runs alongside the site has been blocked by overhanding sterns of boats awaiting repairs. This forces walkers to walk through a working boatyard with attendant Health and Safety issues.
3. Sunningwell Quarry – Closure of path 372/8 at GR SP 498012 for many years. The high cost of the construction of a stairway to overcome quarry face has prevented OCC from implementing a project. Recently Sunningwell Parish Council paid for an initial feasibility study which shows how a new path could be provided to overcome the quarry face. The plans of the feasibility study have been sent to OCC for evaluation and comment.
4. More recently we have become aware of Network Rail attempting to reduce or eliminate level-grade crossings by footpaths which cross the electrified main line in the Denchworth/Grove area of the Vale. The paths affected are 235/3,7, and 12 of Grove Parish and 188/2 Denchworth. There is scheduled to be large housing developments in the area which will inevitably create extra pressure on these paths. They also form important links between Denchworth, the Hanneys and Grove. Representations expressing concern on this issue have been made to a number of planning applications relating to these developments by Dave Cavanagh and Phil Manvell on behalf of Vale Rambler Group and also Jim Parke as Chair on Oxfordshire Area Ramblers. Network Rail is being urged to replace the level-grade crossings with foot bridges.
Jim Parke – Vale Footpath Officer.