Sandwell M.B.C – Local Access Forum Report on ROWIP Process

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Sandwell Local Access Forum

18th October 2005

Assessment of Responses to RoWIP Pre-plan Consultation

1. Summary Statement

1.1 Council officers have been busy carrying out the assessment since work began on preparing Sandwell’s Draft RoWIP. As part of this officers have investigated the responses received in the consultation period.

1.2 Over 150 individual responses were received during the consultation. The routes included in these comments were surveyed, where possible, throughout August and September 2005.

1.3 In addition to surveying the consultation routes, the responses are still being fully assessed in relation to their existing highway status and their relevance for possible inclusion in the Draft RoWIP. There was also a series of general comments that related to improvements to the overall network. A plan is attached which shows the site specific consultation routes mapped spatially.

1.4 A list is attached to this report containing the consultation responses received by the Council. It has been made anonymous and shows the assessment progress to date. When this part of the RoWIP assessment is complete some consultation routes may drop out of the process, e.g. requests may be covered by the Councils existing duties relating to its public rights of way and these will need to be looked at separate to this process.

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2. Recommendations:

2.1 The Local Access Forum note the consultation table.

Contact Officers Craig Rowbottom/Stephen Leigh Assistant/Temporary Assistant Public Rights of Way Officers Transportation Planning 0121 569 4151/4219

Assessment of Responses to ROWIP Pre-Consultation

3. Strategic Resource Implications

3.1 Any projects that are proposed by the RoWIP can be designed to be funded from several sources. Examples of this could be from existing Council budgets or money from the Local Transport Plan.

4. Legal and Statutory Implications

4.1 The local Highway Authority has a statutory requirement to have a completed RoWIP by November 2007.

4.2 The local Highway Authority has a statutory requirement to consult the LAF throughout the process of making its assessment of its RoWIP.

5. Implications for the Council’s Corporate Priorities

5.1 The outcomes of the final RoWIP will help to secure an improved Rights of Way (RoW) network. This improved network will have numerous benefits to the community, e.g. increase access to services, jobs and public transport nodes by means other than by private car. The RoWIP could also help raise the standard of the environment and provide improved facilities as part of the Councils key priority for Creating Safer, Cleaner and Stronger communities.

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6. Background Details

Progress

6.1 As part of the Councils assessment for the Draft RoWIP officers have been investigating the responses received during the pre-plan consultation. A list of the responses can be seen in Appendix A. The table contains the data gathered over the consultation period and the surveying period.

6.2 These responses were preliminary assessed to enable site surveys to be carried out. There were about 130 routes surveyed across the borough.

6.3 The survey data was used to work out exactly where each of the consultation routes lay and notes were made on the computer database of what was requested and the state of the route. This process also involved sending letters to the other local authorities containing comments received during Sandwell’s pre-plan consultation that were not in Sandwell’s geographic area.

6.4 The next stage was to check the consultation routes with our existing records of known highway status e.g. if the response relates to a route recorded as a public right of way, or if was included in a statutory order for creation. This information will help determine if and how these comments can be incorporated in the Draft RoWIP. A plan is attached which shows all of site specific consultation routes mapped spatially.

6.5 As well as receiving site specific issues during the consultation process, there were also general comments that required attention. These can be seen in Appendix B.

6.6 Appendix C contains miscellaneous comments regarding general improvements to Sandwell’s paths and Rights of Way network.

6.7 The next stage is to asses if the comments received are relevant to be put forward for inclusion in the Draft RoWIP. When this part of the RoWIP assessment is complete some consultation routes may drop out of the process, e.g.

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requests may be covered by the Councils existing duties relating to its public rights of way and these will need to be looked at separate to this process.

Appendix A – Site Specific Responses to Sandwell’s Pre-Plan RoWIP Consultation

Location of Response received Surveyors Notes Known path in Consultation Highway Status Along Route or Any Part of it Pleck Park - Formalise as ROW Attempted Survey and comments None Ikea were passed on to neighbouring authority – No path found. Most of the path is probably in MBC.

Green Lane Formalise as ROW Surveyed the site - Surface slightly None Bridge over the eroded and the vegetation needs Tame Valley trimming. No signposts or lights. Canal.

Hamstead Road The route is not Survey attempted - Path is completely PROW – Newton Road clear as the service blocked by overgrown vegetation. FP17/WB road is not shown on There is no surface and access is (Footpath) the map. extremely difficult. (Draft Map only) Greenfield Road This is an essential The surface is good, vegetation None – Hamstead route for pedestrians trimmed, lighting along the route Road and protection is however there is a small amount of needed. litter.

Highfield Road Formalise as ROW Surveyed – There is a shared None – Greenfield road/path access to garages and the Road surface is OK - Slightly worn. No lighting, small amount of litter, vegetation is overgrow and not good. Forge Mill Lake, Formalise these Surveyed – The path leads to a nature None linking over paths and consider reserve, shared with car park. The railway to improvements in tracks around Forge Mill Lake are Tanhouse conjunction with the included under different section. Avenue. RSPB. Vegetation on this section needs trimming, surface is good however there are small amounts of litter. Valley Road – These paths are Surveyed - Path is lit and the surface None Valerie Grove essential for local is poor at the southern end. residents. Vegetation is OK. No signposting and there are small amounts of litter.

Woodfort Road These paths need a Surveyed - Steps are old and need None – James Road status critical to replacement; the path does not pedestrian actually go anywhere, there is no movement. lighting and the surface is poor.

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Gorse Farm Gorse Farm Bridge Surveyed - Steep climb to the bridge PROW Bridge not shown on the where the surface is not good, FP40B/WB map, essential to handrail is OK, surface good from the (Footpath) pedestrian bridge, vegetation is OK and well (Draft Map movement. trimmed. only) Cromane There are a large Surveyed - Access good to this area Adopted Square number of ROW’s in although possible over supply, lighting Footpath this area and they good, surface good, sign posted and should be there is no litter. rationalised. Hamstead Road This route continues Surveyed – There are no signposts, None – Ennerdale across the green the surface is OK, vegetation is Road through Langdale to slightly overgrown, lighting in place, Spouthouse. blind area in the path from Hamstead Essential route to road to Ennerdale Road. school. Eastwood Road The weeds along Surveyed - Vegetation trimmed None – Shenstone the path need already, no apparent Litter, Surface Road clearing – an good although sloping and causing essential route to damp to number 47 Eastwood Road. school. No signpost, no lighting, ASB problems and dog mess problems along the path. Shenstone The weeds along Surveyed - No apparent litter, the None Road – the path need surface is good, vegetation is Allendale Grove clearing – an becoming a problem and there are no essential route to signposts. school. Waddington Formalise as a Surveyed – The surface is stone CRF15/WB Avenue – ROW. chippings, there is a litter problem, no (Road Used as Newton Road signposting, no lighting along the a Public Path) route. and FP15/WB (Footpath) (Draft Map only) Waddington Needs a status – Surveyed – Surface is in a very poor None Avenue – route used by condition; there is a Lot of Litter. Jayshaw hundreds of people There is a vegetation problem, shared Avenue daily. access to garages (vehicles using path). No lighting. Pear Tree Close Needs to be Surveyed – On this path there are Adopted – Ray Hall Lane signposted as a link. parts that are very overgrown and Footpath narrow. There is scope for widening, the litter situation is OK, The Surface has been Worn, There are sign posts located at both ends but none to tell where it goes, lighting is provided. Pear Tree Road Formalise and Surveyed - The path is dark in places, None – Chatsworth resurface this link. the subway is dark and under lit, there Avenue are minor litter problems, graffiti is on the sub station, Conifers should be trimmed. Wrottesley Formalise as a Surveyed – The surface is OK/good, None Road – Longleat ROW. the vegetation is good, and there are Drive small amounts of litter. Not signed or lit.

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Black Lake – Formalise as a Surveyed – (East to West) The path None The Hawthorns ROW. should be signposted better from the (along the Metro Metro station. line) Surface is in good condition, litter might become a problem, vegetation might also become a problem, lots of access points on the route, needs better lighting and signposting.

Surface in good condition, litter might become a problem, vegetation might also become a problem, lots of access points on the route, needs better lighting and signposting. Vegetation might become a problem, there is a litter problem and dog mess problem.

Good access, dog mess problem, litter problem.

Dog mess problem continues as well as the litter problem. No fencing between path and Metro line under bridge.

Overhanging vegetation could become an issue, litter problem, needs bins and the dog mess problem is worse. Access very good.

Dog dirt (worse than earlier), problems with fly tipping, weeds a problem on the flowerbeds, there is also a graffiti issue (racist graffiti on path).

There are problems with fly tipping, litter and dog mess problems. The path needs clearing on the right hand side, no fence between path and Metro line; dark alley by the station needs to be considered for its appropriateness.

Overgrown in places, there is a desire line from some of the houses by the crossover point on the line. There is no fence between the line and the path, which could be an issue with vandalism. Shrubs are in need of cutting and lights need adding under bridges. Around Forge Resurface this Surveyed – This path is surfaced with None Mill Lake section of path. concrete under the bridge, very small amounts of litter, it is a dirt/fine stone path, vegetation OK, sign posted.

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Network of Formalise and Surveyed - Tracks that follow the None paths between Signpost these links. beacon trail. Off trail desire lines Tanhouse around the Newton Road end of this Avenue, the network. Some paths are just dirt Railway and the tracks that are overgrown and need River Tame. surfacing. Bridge over the Formalise and Surveyed - No problems with litter, Statutory Order Expressway upgrade bridge over cyclists can gain access to the bridge (Park Crescent the expressway to but the shared access could present - Alfred Street) more comfortably problems. This should be addressed accommodate either with physical measures or cyclists as well as markings on the bridge. pedestrians. Haig Street – Formalise the 2 part Surveyed - Illegal dumping has None Bank Street link from Haig Street occurred at the northern end of this to Bank Street section of path. Surface very good, but it does need signs.

Haig Street – Formalise the 2 part Surveyed - Path condition good, None Bank Street link from Haig Street needs signposting. Essential link to to Bank Street the hospital. RADAR Key system effective in reducing ASB with vehicles (no tyre marks). Hospital – Formalise as ROW. Paths in the region are good and the PROW Church hospital maintains its paths well. This FP58/WB Vale/Dagger path is in good condition. (Footpath) Lane (Draft Map only) Salters Lane Formalise, Surface Surveyed - Sign states that there is PROW and sign Salters NO PUBLIC ACCESS to the Sandwell FP61/WB and Lane from Daggers Valley. The road is partly shared until FP61B/WB Lane, over the M5 a gate that enters the Sandwell (Footpaths), bridge to the NCN5 Valley. Lane is in OK condition and CRF61/WB the path across from the Sandwell (Road Used as Valley is also OK but improvements to a Public Path) the surface could be carried out to (Draft Map improve access for cyclists. The only). vegetation is OK and there is hardly Statutory any visible litter. There are several Order. footpaths leading off this section. Dartmouth Park Formalise and Surveyed - All paths in the park in None assess for good condition. No Problems with improvements the vegetation. Litter is a small problem network of paths (albeit on site visit there was a fun fair within Dartmouth on the site). park and around the showground’s that are in the WSLN. Sandwell Valley Security is an issue. Surveyed - The farm does not appear PROW Farm Child safety also an to have any major child safety issues CRF64/WB issue. Mention of or problems with security. This needs (Road Used as controlling access to to be checked with farm. The paths a Public Path) livestock during viral have lighting and the surfaces are (Draft Map outbreaks. good. only) Priory Woods – Formalise and sign Surveyed and comments passed on PROW Park Lane post path through to neighbouring authority - Reduced CRF62C/WB Priory Woods, from access on the western end of this (Road Used as bridge over M5 to path. Reduced access to vehicles. No a Public Path) Park Lane (and signs, surface good, vegetation well (Draft Map

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safely across Park trimmed. No litter, no lights. The route only) Lane) to provide is very isolated. walk and cycle link to Silvercroft Avenue in Birmingham. Park Lane – Formalise and sign Surveyed and comments passed on None Silvercroft post path through to neighbouring authority - Near the Avenue Priory Woods, from Handsworth Wood end of the path bridge over M5 to there is a lot of litter where it appears Park Lane (and that people have been congregating safely across Park to drink. There are a lot of other links Lane) to provide and desire lines running off this path. walk and cycle link The surface is poor in most places. to Silvercroft Avenue Vegetation is also overgrown in in Birmingham. several places. This link is vital to access Sandwell Valley from Birmingham. The route goes into Birmingham Council’s jurisdiction. Dartmouth Park Formalise, surface Surveyed - Confusing access point Statutory Order – Beeches and sign post the from Dartmouth Park. This needs to Road link from Dartmouth be amended. Either physical Park to the SE half measures need to be introduced or of Beeches Road, markings on the surface of the bridge. making it suitable for cycles and pedestrians. Leicester Place Formalise, re- Surveyed - Surface OK, but there None – Ridgeacre surface, signpost could be a need to resurface due to Canal and consider lighting wear. There has obviously been a fire link from Leicester on this surface at some point. Lighting Place to the would improve security in the area. Ridgeacre Canal Bannister Road Measures need to Surveyed – There is evidence of fly PROW FP3/TIP – Wigginsmill be taken to reduce tipping over fence (on the path off (Footpath) Road vandalism. Bannister Road). Stone worn tarmac Preventative surface, small amount of litter, no methods of lights, graffiti on fence from Banister restricting access for Road, desire line from Wiggins Mill motor vehicles Bridge towards Metro, bollards at should be Bannister Road end of site. considered. Fly tipping and vandalism an issue. Entrance should not be concealed. (sign and light, resurface if necessary). Bridge Road – Create ROW from Surveyed - The borough boundary is None Bradley Locks Walsall Canal (new on the Metro Line. There is scope for Patent Drive) along a pedestrian crossing on Bilston Bradley Locks old Road. There is a locked barrier canal arm across preventing vehicle access to the site, Bilston Road and there is also a staggered entrance. following existing There is a small amount of litter in this path along line of area, The path surface is in good filled in canal to condition and surfaced with Batmans Hill open permeable track. space and link with ROW at Turton Road.

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Packwood Road Path is very steep Surveyed - The path is steep and the Adopted – New and there is need to surface is tarmac. There is no litter Footpath Birmingham provide a handrail. and the path is lit, there is graffiti Road (West) Install mirrors to along the path. The vegetation is OK enable people to but overgrown at head height from see around the someone’s garden. corner. Packwood Road Install lighting and Surveyed - The path is steep. The PROW – Birmingham mirrors to enable vegetation is overgrown. The path is FP84/RR Road (East) people to see not lit. There is a small litter problem. (Footpath) around the corner. The surface is worn tarmac.

Birch Crescent Children use this Surveyed – This path is no longer in PROW - Packwood passage to get to existence. Access to the 126 is FP84/RR Road school. Essential possible via alternative means and (Footpath), path for people on would not take twenty minutes on foot. Adopted the estate. Access The path does not link in with the path Footpath, to the 126 buses on Packwood Road. Statutory Order would take an extra twenty minutes without path. Weston Avenue Resurface the path Surveyed - The path is signed but the PROW – Elm Terrace and install lighting pathway is in very poor condition. It is FP80/RR as the path is very a combination of paving slabs and (Footpath) narrow and dark. stone chippings. The path is very overgrown which hampers the access. There is no litter. Part of one of the WSLN routes. Poplar Avenue Install lighting and Surveyed – The path is a combination PROW – New possibly CCTV as it of tarmac/Dirt track/paved, it is signed FP83/RR Birmingham is adjacent to a with no lighting on the path, (Footpath) Road public house and vegetation is good/ok, there is no attracts anti-social Litter (although this might change over behaviour. time). The path is very steep. There are large amounts of graffiti (some very offensive) on peoples back garden fences. Hainge Road – Presently Surveyed - Tarmac surface is OK but PROW New overgrown, it is very overgrown and this will RP91/RR Birmingham inaccessible and prevent most access. There is no (Road Used as Road unsafe. Needs lighting; there are metal bollards at the a Public Path) lighting, widening Wolverhampton Road end that and improvements prevent bike access and vehicle to the path, clear access. At the far end of this track the rubbish and restrict surface is old tarmac that needs vegetation, sign post resurfacing. Also needs to be signed the route and and lit. designate Rubbish bins. Ascot Close – Install Lighting Surveyed - The path is steep and Adopted Wolverhampton might need a handrail. The surface is Footpath Road tarmac and is in good condition. The path that leads west from the Wolverhampton Road is in extremely poor condition and needs something done about it. Fly tipping is a major issue down this path as is graffiti.

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Cross Walk Resurface and Surveyed - Shared car/pedestrian PROW install lighting and access, it is signed, the surface is RP74/RR CCTV. Cut Back good until halfway (from west to east) (Road Used as overhanging when it goes into a dirt track that is a Public Path) vegetation. very poor and has litter/ASB graffiti problems. The path gets narrower halfway down and there is overhanging vegetation that impedes the view of the path therefore making it seem more dangerous. Regent Avenue Install more lighting Surveyed – There is bollard access, None – Harlech Close and possibly CCTV the surface is tarmac/old poorer as the area is not condition, the path is lit (light on at 12 very overlooked. noon). Vegetation/litter OK.

Haden Hill Park Create as PROW, Surveyed – Track style path, not lit, None improve and sign vegetation is OK, steep path and Needs surfacing as well as signing. There might be confusion, over which path is which in this area as there are numerous paths that could be the ones intended for improving. Wrights Lane – Vegetation Surveyed – The surface is dirt/poor. None Higgs Field management of The desire line from the Canal to Crescent overhanging trees Waterfall Lane should be improved. would improve Litter problems around the bridge, the pedestrian access. path are not lit and there are issues with the vegetation especially trees that overhang and cause the view down the path to be obscured. Higgs Field Formalise and Link Surveyed - This access is sealed off None Crescent the Rights of Way with a gate. An adopted footpath is located to the east of this path. It is debatable what benefits of having this open would achieve. The path is tarmac and in good condition. It is used to access houses along the end of the road. The path to the east of this site has no litter, no vegetation issues, graffiti problems and the surface that is tarmac is OK. Wrights Lane – Formalise and link Surveyed - The path has a very poor PROW Higgs Field the Rights of Way surface which changes from poor FP21/RR and Crescent tarmac to no surface. It is very poorly FP22/RR (Western End) maintained and there are large (Footpaths) amounts of litter. There is no lighting and it is overgrown. The steps are in poor condition and there is graffiti. Willits Way- This is disputed Surveyed - There are issues with None Victoria Road ROW. There are graffiti on this ROW. There is a issues with ASB and staggered entrance to the path. The a full survey should vegetation is in good condition and be carried out on the well trimmed. The surface is site. tarmac/older tarmac and both are good or OK. There was no litter apparent when the site was surveyed.

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Reddal Hill A new private Surveyed - The Path is signed at both Adopted Road – Mace access considered ends and there is a small litter Footpath Street by developers will problem. It is not lit on the path but leave these houses there is street lighting at each end, vulnerable. which might illuminate the path at night. There needs to be weeding carried out on this path. The staggered fencing that allows access might need improving. Bearmore Make into Surveyed - The track changes None Playing Fields continuous ROW surfaces several times across the across Bearmore playing fields. There is a lot of litter Playing Fields and along the sides of the paths and ensure defined broken glass on the path. The path pathway, signposted entrance is staggered and in good route, rubbish bins condition apart from graffiti. and lighting. Vegetation is OK. Bearmore Create formal ROW Surveyed - On the eastern side of the None Playing Fields cycle track. Surface park there is a RADAR gate, the path (Plant Street – and sign post. is in good condition (aside from the Newlyn Road) broken glass). The surface is gravel/sand track. Litter is ok on this section of the park. There are no signs at either end of the tracks. Oak Green Way The footpath was Surveyed – Surface is tarmac, there None – Clay Lane realigned due to a are no signs, no lights and evidence new development. It of ASB. Heavy Amounts of Litter are needed to be present (worst in the survey so far), pushed back and it is massively overgrown. another 5 metres after safety advice. Causeway The footpath was This path was meant to be surveyed None Green Road – realigned due to a instead of the above path. The path is St Michaels new development. It currently inaccessible because of a Crescent needed to be construction site. Therefore both pushed back paths were surveyed as the above another 5 metres path provides an alternative route to after safety advice. this one. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Surveyed - Surface stone chippings None Titford Pools of Way the link from (fine). No Sign and No Lighting, ASB Bury Hill Park to evidence. Gated on the Eastern Side Titford Pools as with a wooden gate with rope strap. shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Brandhall Court The right of way cuts Surveyed - Path is paved/tarmac. It is Statutory Order – Brandhall Golf through people’s in good condition. The path is narrow Course back gardens. This as it goes past the southern edge of ROW is argued that Brandhall Court. There has been a it is obsolete and gate erected after the footbridge and perceived to be the before the golf course. This was open cause of a lot of at time of survey. The footbridge over “misery” for the the stream is structurally OK but is in tenants of Brandhall need of upgrading to become safer Court. and more accessible for disabled pedestrians. There is litter present but not in huge amounts.

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Apsley Road – Footpath is not Surveyed – The schools were out at None Perryfields High currently a ROW. the time of survey. No signposts on School The footpath has led this path, Surface is tarmac which is to a number of OK. No Lighting on the path, a lot of incidents to Mrs litter is present and therefore possible Balls’ rear garden. ASB? There is a fence following the “This could possibly path around and houses overlook the be some form of path. restricted right of way closing at 7pm” Woodhall Street This is the location Surveyed – There is a tarmac surface None of Woodhall Street, (very poor). Small amounts of litter which has been present on and around the site. The closed off because access is completely blocked at its of the Fun Fair eastern end. The vegetation is entertainers living in overgrown. There are lots of potholes the street. on this section of road. The access is lit and overlooked. Mousesweet Formalise as ROW, Surveyed - Path good and not None Brook improve and sign. overgrown, The surface is grass/track. Litter is present on the site. There is a staggered entrance from Forge Lane/High Street. The entrance is overgrown. Portway Road – Make into Surveyed – The path is a tarmac Statutory Order Taylors Lane continuous ROW surfaced route which is not lit and not and ensure defined signed. Good condition of surface but pathway. Sign small amounts of litter and well kept posting and lighting vegetation. if necessary. Consultee was not sure if this idea was feasible. Taylors Lane – Presently Surveyed – The path is overgrown PROW Brades Road overgrown, and not lit with a poor surface. There FP4/RG/OLD inaccessible and is a lot of litter present at this site. (Footpath), unsafe. Needs some Statutory lighting, widen and Orders define the path, restrict vegetation, signpost route. Birmingham Formalise and Surveyed - Surface is varied (tarmac, PROW Road – assess for paved and track). The entrance to the CRF63/WB Sandwell Valley improvement link golf course is shared with cars. The (Road Used as path from the golf course across the a Public Path) fairways is in good condition with no (Draft Map litter and the vegetation is OK. The only) path needs better signing but it is signed on the Birmingham Road. Swan Pool – Formalise as a right Surveyed – There are litter problems None Salters Lane of way along the northern end of Swan Pool. The Surface is good (cycle track style surface). There are no vegetation problems and no lighting, no signposts along path (although there could be signs in other places)

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Jubilee Woods Formalise as a Surveyed - The path is overgrown, None ROW there is no way of knowing where you are going through these woods even with the signposting. The paths are very confusing and there seems to be a maze of paths. This is the main route. The surface is poor (just soil) and it is very isolated. Turton Road – The footpath stops Surveyed – The surface is good and None Irving Road at the borough surfaced with tarmac. Good links with boundary. A link other paths in the area. There are would enhance the litter problems, access to school. ROW network. Needs linking with Wolverhampton. This path forms part of a loop, needs surfacing, signing and lighting. Griffiths Road – There is some Surveyed – This is private land with None Hall Green debate as to gated access to Hall Green with litter whether this is a present. The surface is stones/dirt ROW. A strip of land which is not good. Access is shared gains access to Hall with a private land owner and signs Green. say that there is no access, although people do use this way as a means of access. Beverley Road Complete the Surveyed - The path that is shown None – Hall Green surfacing, formalise, here does not exist. A similar path Road sign post and from the end of Allerby Court is in consider lighting the existence and its conditions are – link from Beverley Vegetation is overgrown, crosses an Road to Ryddings old fence (now no longer in working Lane. order), small amounts of litter across the field. The playing fields are very overgrown but functional goal posts exist. Rydings Lane – Formalise and Surveyed - The path is lit, there are None Gordon Avenue complete the some litter problems, the surface is resurfacing of the off paved and the vegetation is well road link from trimmed and good. The path allows Ryddings Lane to access to Gordon Avenue. Gordon Avenue. Gordon Avenue Formalise and sign Surveyed - This path is a desire line; None post the path there is a litter problem along this alongside Gordon path. It provides access to recreation Avenue. facilities. There are some trees alongside it and many houses overlook it. Wilkes Street – Formalise as a Surveyed – This is a tarmac path with None Hopkins Drive ROW lights in place and there are no signs. There is shared drive access. The path needs resurfacing from the bend to the northern end of the path and perhaps vegetation management to make this a less isolated path. Water Lane Formalise and Surveyed – This is a gated path that is PROW maintain Water Lane overgrown in several places and there CRF31/WB from Pennyhill Lane is no lighting. There are no signposts (Road Used as to Newton Road, and litter is present along the path but a Public Path) improve access from not in large amounts. The surface is (Draft Map the south end up to tarmac - old and needing a only),

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Newton Road replacement surface. Statutory footway. Order.

Vale Street – Formalise surface Attempted Survey - This path was PROW Newtown Road signpost and light impossible to find from the Newton FP33A/WB the Churchfields Road End. There is signposting but (Footpath) Link from Vale the path appears to be very (Draft Map Street to the overgrown and impassable. There is only) Newtown Road. also undesirable debris from ASB (all different sorts of ASB) at the Newton Road end. Gawne Lane – Formalise as a Surveyed and passed onto None Vale Road ROW, improve and neighbouring authority – There are sign. small amounts of litter and the path is overgrown in several places, vegetation is well trimmed in other places. The path surface is tarmac. There is good access to other paths in the area. It needs signing and lighting. The comment has been passed over to Dudley MBC. Turners Hill – Link with Public Attempted Survey - This link is PROW Dudley Road Rights of Way obstructed by a golf course that runs FP51/RR (across the Rowley through the northern edge of this path. (Footpath), Hills). The golf course has meant that there has had to be a detour off the actual marked route on this map. The paths surface is a mix of tarmac and unpaved desire line. As it goes west the path surface becomes a track and evidence of fly tipping becomes more apparent. Portway Hill – Assess for Surveyed - This path is almost PROW Turners Hill improvements. impossible to follow. There is no FP59/RR access point from Portway Hill and the (Footpath) path is almost non-existent. There is another access point to the north that allows access to the driving range that is in the field with the path. As the path goes west access to the other side (Turners Hill) becomes more apparent and it is possible to cross this area. Church Lane – Formalise as a Surveyed – There is a confusing set None Ridgeacre ROW. of paths. There are no signposts or Canal Path lighting. On the western end of the set of paths there is a large plaque entranceway, the path itself is a mixture of cycle track style surface and desire lines. The path is overgrown. There is a kissing gate onto Berkshire Close and several access points to this road. Deal Drive – Surface the path, Surveyed and passed on to None Clun Close install lighting and neighbouring authority - Vegetation CCTV the path as it OK, Staggered path going down is not overlooked towards Green Park Road. The and is adjacent to an pathway is surfaced with tarmac north

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area of green space. of Deal Drive but not surfaced south. Dark at night. There is lighting on the surfaced areas and steps that go down. There is a desire line with well-managed vegetation. The pathway to the north is in Dudley MBC and the comment has been passed over to them. West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - Paths all need signing, the None – Hagley Road West Park Road to surface is good in the park (tarmac). West Borough Boundary Litter problems in the park. West at Hagley Road Smethwick Park West West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - The parkland is in poor None – Hagley Road West Park Road to condition, the path needs resurfacing West Borough Boundary and tidying, there is a massive Londonderry at Hagley Road amount of litter in the park and the Playing Fields West basketball courts need resurfacing and clearing of broken glass. West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed – This steep path could Adopted – Hagley Road West Park Road to require a handrail. Highway West Borough Boundary Manor Road at Hagley Road West West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - Alternative route could be None – Hagley Road West Park Road to found instead of through cemetery. West Borough Boundary The path is tarmac and in good Uplands at Hagley Road condition. There are seating facilities Cemetery West around the cemetery. This might be closed off at night and therefore obstruct the ROW if created. West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed – There is no access to Adopted – Hagley Road West Park Road to Thimblemill Park. Highway West Borough Boundary Thimblemill at Hagley Road Road West West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - The path needs None – Hagley Road West Park Road to resurfacing because it is old and West Borough Boundary overused. There are many potholes Warley Park at Hagley Road and the surface changes from tarmac West to desire lines at the southern end of the park. West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - The path is tarmac and in None – Hagley Road West Park Road to good condition, the path network West Borough Boundary through the park is well maintained Lightwoods at Hagley Road and there are no litter problems. Park West West Park Road Create Link from Surveyed - Signposting needed at this Adopted – Hagley Road West Park Road to end of the route. Highway West Borough Boundary Hagley Road at Hagley Road West West Darbys Hill Install Lighting Surveyed – There is a railing on the None Road – St eastern side to prevent running onto Andrews Drive the street. This is a paved path that is not lit. The surface is good and vegetation well trimmed with no litter present at time of survey. It needs signing at both ends.

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Oakham Road – Asses for Surveyed - Track is old tarmac from PROW Warren Hall improvements original road. Vegetation is FP54/RR Farm overgrowing in several places. There (Footpath) are no signs or lights. There is good access to a variety of locations. There are small amounts of litter in the verges of the old lane. There is a desire line from the Golf Course that allows access to the Golf Course although there are health and safety issues to look at. Wolverhampton Formalise as a Surveyed – The path surface tarmac None Road – Warley ROW (old but ok). Telephone router on this Croft path. Vegetation OK but there needs to be a trim along the sides. It is a well-used link (6 people in 5 minutes). Colliery Road – Form useful link to Surveyed – The vegetation is OK and None Birmingham Metro and there was some litter present at the Road Birmingham Rd time of survey. The surface is tarmac on the bridge and concrete on the path up to bridge (steep slope no handrail). Path goes by the old Engine House site that is signed off the Metro Line. There is road access to the Birmingham Road via Colliery Road. Ryders Green Improve the canal Surveyed - Steep ramp on the north PROW Canal Junction accesses around eastern side of the site with no BR51A/WB Ryders Green canal handrail. There is only one access (Bridleway) junction. point to this area. The surface is grass (Draft Map and very narrow at points. Lots of litter only) present. There could be problems in the future with overgrowth of the grass surface. On the western side of this section the only access is gained by going across the Locks. Station Road – Assess for Surveyed - N-S There are no lights PROW Boundary improvements. and possible problems with ASB. A FP2/Halesowen Avenue (via fence appears dangerous along the (Footpath) Regis Heath route off Boundary Avenue. Surface is Road) tarmac in poor condition. Then route is not formally surfaced along this section of path, lots of litter. Good access to Regis Heath Road. Then litter on the eastern side of path. Then step onto narrower section with fence either side. No access straight into the station. Large pothole. Vegetation needs tidying up on station road end. Banklands Road Assess for Surveyed - Grass track surface. No PROW – Warren Hall improvements. litter present on the site. Vegetation FP48/RR open space. needs management. The paths are in (Footpath) unclear locations and there are no directions. No lighting. Newton Close – Formalise as a Surveyed – This route needs signing, None Newton Road ROW. the surface is tarmac (good). The path is lit. Drainage is good. Steps halfway along the path. Southern end has a staggered brick entrance.

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Red House Valuable traffic free Surveyed - recently resurfaced, needs PROW Avenue – foot and cycle new lights/more of them. Bridge is FP30/WED Pound Road crossing. Needs very old and needs repainting and (Footpath) resurfacing, sign repair. New light at the northern end and lights. and sign post. Oxford Street – The cycleway needs Surveyed - The path is lit but the None Price Road resurfacing, signs surface is poor. There are bollards and lighting. along the path. There is a staggered barrier after the bridge (which is well maintained). Oakham Road – Asses for Surveyed - E-W There is a bus shelter PROW Warren Hall improvements at western end. Route not clear and FP61/RR Farm via Dudley overgrown. The golf course means (Footpath) Golf Course route is not marked. Extremely unclear route. No litter and no lighting. The end of path is grass track that leads to stables. River Tame Create new ROW Attempted Survey - Path from None from along River Tame Johnson Road is blocked at the Wodensborough through former college entrance by a fence. This College – college site to link fence prevents access to the site. The Bescot Station with existing ROW desire line that goes around the west at Bescot Station. of the site does not make a complete trail. This path needs to be unblocked; if the surface is still used then it should be OK because it is new tarmac. It would be difficult to create a path to Bescot Station. Great Bridge Create PROW along Surveyed - N-S Cobbled/bricked slope None Street – existing paths from with urban design features (railings Sheepwash Great Bridge St with designs). The route is not signed Park along Hains Branch or lit. There is litter present. Surface is disused canal OK and tarmac. There are benches accross Sheepwash along the path. River Tame Markers Ln/Pk. present along the route. Access to the road is good at southern end. Urban design features again at southern end. Great Bridge Create PROW along Surveyed – The Bridge surface is OK, None Street – existing paths from tarmac surface. Sheepwash Great Bridge St Park along Hains Branch disused canal accross Sheepwash Ln/Pk. Great Bridge Create PROW along Surveyed – This part of the route is None Street – existing paths from gated to vehicular access. The link Sheepwash Sheepwash Ln/Pk to means walking along road. The path Park the left of the large is shared with cars. Old tarmac lake. surface needs resurfacing. Desire line to the east side of lake. Newer tarmac on the trail. Great Bridge Create PROW along Surveyed - Path in excellent condition. None Street – existing paths to the Surface tarmac (new) bridge in good Sheepwash left of the large lake. condition. Park

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Great Bridge Sign and improve Surveyed – There is good access to None Street – existing ROW. ROW the parking area, a gate/barrier Sheepwash in disgraceful state. prevents bike access from Johns Park Create new ROW Lane. The route needs signing. from Great Bridge Street via Haines Branch disused Canal to meet ROW along the Tame. Great Bridge Create ROW around Surveyed – This part of the route is PROW Street – Left Side of very difficult to navigate. There are no RP97/RR Sheepwash Sheepwash Park signs and the paths destination is not (Road Used as Park obvious. There is not much litter, no a Public Path), lights and no surface (grass). Statutory Order Great Bridge Link up with PROW Surveyed – The track is grass with PROW Street – to Temple Way some form of surface netting. The RP97/RR Sheepwash track is very muddy it is overgrown (Road Used as Park and needs a direct link from the other a Public Path), side of the river. There is a fly tipping Statutory Order problem on the western end. Great Bridge Link up with PROW Surveyed – The tunnel is not lit and PROW Street – to Temple Way this is a problem as it is very dark. RP97/RR Sheepwash The surface is very poor (unsure (Road Used as Park about what it actually is surfaced with, a Public Path), but there was a lot of mud). Statutory Order Great Bridge Link up with PROW Surveyed - The exit of the tunnel is in None Street – to Temple Way a valley that is grassed over. There Sheepwash are lots of different kinds of waste Park deposited here from building waste to litter. Great Bridge Link up with PROW Surveyed - Litter is present along the PROW Street – from Temple Way to route. There has been fly tipping just RP97/RR Sheepwash Tipton Road after the balancing lake. The surface (Road Used as Park is very old tarmac until it gets to the a Public Path) new housing development. Upper Church Formalise as a Surveyed - W-E There are None Lane – Tipton ROW and improve bollards/metal staggered entrance Cemetery this link. and a tarmac Surface which is OK. There is no lighting. On the right hand side of the path the vegetation is overgrown. The vegetation gets worse as the path goes on. Powis Avenue – Formalise, re- Surveyed – The surface is old tarmac None Bridge Road surface, sign post after intersection (which needs sign), and light the link No lights. from Powis Avenue to Bridge Road. Eagle Lane - Formalise as a Surveyed - Surface tarmac (Good). None Bagnall Street ROW, signpost and Bollards at Eagle Lane end, Lit, Not assess for any other signed. Good access to Canals. improvements. Vegetation is OK, there is litter present but not much. The route crosses old railway tracks. Shaw Street – Formalise as a Surveyed - This path is in poor PROW ROW to Toll End condition. There are large amounts of FP82/WB industrial waste dumped on the path. (Footpath) There are large amounts of litter. The (Draft Map surface is very old tarmac and needs only) replacing.

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Birchfield Way – Formalise as a Surveyed and passed on to PROW Birmingham ROW. neighbouring authority – The FP1A/WB Road vegetation is overgrown and there is (Footpath) litter present. There is a strange metal (Draft Map gate that must be used to restrict only) access although how, is unsure. This path goes into Walsall Borough and therefore this small section of the improvement has been surveyed. Broom Road – Formalise, surface, Surveyed – There is evidence of fly PROW Hill Farm Bridge sign post, light and tipping. There is a slight incline as the BR3/WB CCTV this link. path goes from West to East. There is (Bridleway) lots of litter (mostly alcohol (Draft Map paraphernalia). The Bridge surface is only) poor. The surface of the path is poor. Vegetation should be cut back to allow for better sight lines. Brooklands – Signpost this link. Surveyed - Confusing access at PROW Biddlestone eastern end of path and fly tipping is CRF4/WB Bridge occurring here. There is a lot of litter (Road Used as along this route. There are no lights a Public Path) and the vegetation should be cut back (Draft Map to allow for better visibility. only) Park Street – Reopen this Surveyed – The access blocked by None Birmingham link/keep it closed (2 fence. Vegetation is overgrown. The Canal responses) area is not lit. Litter still present.

Watery Lane – Formalise and Surveyed – There is no access across Statutory Order Birmingham assess for railway (access to signal box via Canal improvement the gate). Surface is very poor tarmac. Watery Lane access There are bollards on the southern to the New Main end of the bridge. The route is not lit Line Canal. but is signed from the road. There is a desire line on the eastern side of the bridge leading to the towpath. Elliots Road – Formalise and Surveyed - There is litter along parts None Union Street assess for of this path (provide bins to solve?), improvement the there are canal structures along the Old Main Line & route (palimpsest). Between Elliots Elliots Road through and Union the path is a tarmac to Howl Place and surface. From Union Street to the new the New Main Line. main line there is a car park, which is shared access for pedestrians. Then there is a track that leads to the canal that needs surfacing. Bustleholme Formalise as a Surveyed - E-W The route is not PROW Lane ROW. signed, it is overlooked and lit. The CRF19A/WB path is tarmac and then into rough (Road Used as track. There is litter along the track a Public Path) section. Access to Millersdale Drive (Draft Map from this track. The path then is not only) following the alignment of Bustleholme Lane. This is due to overgrown vegetation. There is lots of litter along this section. There is a steep slope towards the Whitworth Drive section. There are bollards on the western end.

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Tividale Park Lacks definition, Surveyed – The vegetation is good PROW (Dudley Road needs lighting, and well trimmed. There is no litter, RP90/RR West – New smoothers surface, and the surface is tarmac (new). (Road Used as Birmingham sign post route, Metal Bollards at the Wolverhampton a Public Path) Road) rubbish bins and Road end makes access for bikes clearer definition of restricted. the path towards Birmingham Road exit. Cherry Tree Formally recognise Surveyed and contacted Walsall None Avenue – NCN Route 5 link. Council - Grass covered path, which Poplar Lane No Improvements is slightly overgrown. Desire line needed. forms the basis of the track. There is no litter. The path goes across the borough boundary. River Tame – Formalise, surface Surveyed – The bridge surface is OK PROW Biddlestone and sign link from the surface is gravel. There is not CRF4/WB Bridge River Tame to much litter. The bridleway sign at (Road Used as Biddlestone Bridge junction is confusing. a Public Path) over (Draft Map only) Pimpernel Drive Surface and sign Surveyed – The route needs a sign, a None – River Tame link from Pimpernel desire line was followed to the main Drive to River Tame. path towards the Tame. The track has good surface. Desire line needs surfacing. It is unknown where to stop. Pimpernel Drive There is a need to Surveyed - This path needs signing PROW – Ray Hall Lane create a path that and surfacing. It is currently a desire FP11/WB (along River follows the River line/track. There were small amounts (Footpath) Tame) Tame. This would of litter present. The path goes as far (Draft Map create a path all the as Ray Hall Lane. only), Statutory way to the coast. Order This path has been in existence for a number of years but is not a ROW. St Pauls Road – Improve access Surveyed and comments passed onto PROW Bescot Station from St Pauls Road Walsall Council. W-E – Surface is FP24/WED to Bescot Station. poor from St Pauls Road. Lots of (Footpath) offensive graffiti. Lots of litter present. The path is lit. The path is very isolated, the footbridge over the railway OK. Footbridge to Motorway very isolated. Path from footbridge isolated and litter is present. Footbridge at Bescot Station is better. Sandy Lane – Surface and sign Surveyed and comments passed onto None Bescot Station along the River Walsall Council - Path is a desire line Tame and for the most part unsurfaced. It needs signing. There are small amounts of litter along the route. The vegetation is overgrown on the southern side of the path where it meets the marshalling yard. The path will be going along what is possibly a flood plain and therefore any surfacing should take this into consideration. Also this path is right on the borough boundary.

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Bescot Station – The footpath Surveyed - The path does not go up None Tame Avenue alongside the River to Tame Avenue as it is on the wrong Tame needs to be side of the Tame and there is no widened at the pinch footbridge access to the estate. The point to allow for footpath is a desire line. There is a extra capacity. pinch point on this path but there is Improve pedestrian also a pinch point on the opposite access to Bescot bank where a closed off path lies. This Station from Tame section might be the subject of the Avenue comment. Tame Avenue – Formalise and Surveyed – The path is surfaced with None St Pauls Road improve link across tarmac. Then there is a desire line. recreation ground to This path accesses an area, which is St Pauls Road. gated. There is no surface and no sign on the northern stretch of this path. There is a lot of litter present. Walsall Road – Formalise as a E-W. There is a good surface (track). PROW Pimpernel Drive ROW The vegetation is OK. There is litter at FP62/RR some points of the route. Fenced off (Footpath) path from Wolfsbane Drive. Campion Close - Bescot Station? (could be a new link) Columbine Close access not blocked but overgrown. Columbine Close (West) open access. Snapdragon Drive open access. There are problems with fly tipping along the route. Pimpernel Drive Formalise as a Two accesses into the estate along None – Painswick ROW this section of the path. Bollard at the Close end of path - is it needed? There is a gated access and shared access with road at end of the path. Two accesses into the estate along this section of the path. Bollard at the end of path - is it needed? Gated access and shared access with road at end of the path. Coopers Lane – Formalise and sign This is a not yet constructed cycle None Highfield Road post cycle link. link. The actual route walked is the one marked down. More details are needed about where the new route will go and what it will be like, and assessment could occur at a later date. Oakham Road – Make into a This part of the route needs sign post Adopted Old Main Line continuous ROW Highway Canal from Oakham Road Oakham Road to Old Main Line Canal. Oakham Road – Make into a There is a steep slope (with no None Old Main Line continuous ROW signpost) and it is not lit. There is no Canal from Oakham Road surface. Muirfield to Old Main Line Crescent – Canal. Darby’s Hill Road

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Oakham Road – Make into a There is a metal staggered gate at None Old Main Line continuous ROW southern end (it is a kissing Gate) that Canal from Oakham Road allows access. The paths are lit. The Viewpoint – to Old Main Line surface is good (tarmac). It is not very Darbys Hill Canal. clear which route to take to get to next Open Space stage. Oakham Road – Make into a This is a good quality road (tarmac Adopted Old Main Line continuous ROW surface) with no litter. Access via Highway Canal from Oakham Road kissing gate. This part of the route Rear Access to Old Main Line needs pavement. route off Mallin Canal. Drive Oakham Road – Make into a The surface is very old tarmac. It is PROW Old Main Line continuous ROW signed and not lit. FP82/RR Canal from Oakham Road (Footpath) Elm Terrace – to Old Main Line Birch Crescent Canal. Oakham Road – Make into a Consideration should be given to a Adopted Old Main Line continuous ROW crossing of some sorts over the main Highway Canal from Oakham Road road. New to Old Main Line Birmingham Canal. Road Oakham Road – Make into a There is a need for a crossing by the Adopted Old Main Line continuous ROW park entrance. Highway Canal from Oakham Road Dudley Road to Old Main Line West Canal. Oakham Road – Make into a The end of the route/ beginning of the None Old Main Line continuous ROW route needs a sign. Canal from Oakham Road Britannia Street to Old Main Line Canal. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Bury Hill Park has no path to the PROW Titford Pools of Way the link from Rowley Hills. However access is FP2/RG/OLD Bury Hill Park – Bury Hill Park to possible. The access to the Rowley (Footpath) The Rowley Titford Pools as Hills is confusing and there are a vast Hills shown in the WSLN. number of paths and desire lines. Sign post and There is an access point to Tower assess for other Road before getting to the Rowley improvements. Hills. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Confusing again. No access to Ivy None Titford Pools of Way the link from House Road as stated in WSLN. Rowley Hills – Bury Hill Park to Wadham Close provides a suitable Wadham Close Titford Pools as alternative. There are a lot of paths on shown in the WSLN. the hills and it is very confusing. The Sign post and surface is a desire line track. assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right There is no sign on this section. There PROW Titford Pools of Way the link from is a staggered gate onto the path. FP1/RG/OLD Wadham Close Bury Hill Park to There is lighting provided. Surface (Footpath) – Newbury Lane Titford Pools as good (tarmac). Path overlooks houses shown in the WSLN. on Wallace Road. There is a lot of Sign post and litter present. assess for other improvements.

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Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Brunel Road provides access across PROW Titford Pools of Way the link from the park, which is the only access. FP3/RG/OLD Newbury Lane – Bury Hill Park to There is no footpath access. (Footpath) Brunel Road Titford Pools as shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right The western side of this path is very None Titford Pools of Way the link from confusing there appears to be a Brunel Road – Bury Hill Park to desire line from the main path that Birchfield Lane Titford Pools as goes from the sports centre. This is in via Lion Farm shown in the WSLN. poor condition. The path goes across Playing Fields Sign post and playing fields from this point and there assess for other is no track across these playing fields. improvements. This means that some form of signposting is needed. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right There is a pedestrian crossing needed Adopted Titford Pools of Way the link from at this point to allow for safe crossing Highway Birchfield Lane Bury Hill Park to of this busy road. Titford Pools as shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right The surface of the path along the None Titford Pools of Way the link from initial section is poor. There is also Bury Hill Park to overhanging trees that could become Titford Pools as a problem in the future. shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right There is a RADAR gate scheme in None Titford Pools of Way the link from place on the western end of this Birchfield Lane Bury Hill Park to section of path. There is a problem – M5 Titford Pools as with fly tipping and dumping into the shown in the WSLN. canal. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Both bridges are not lit. There is lots None Titford Pools of Way the link from of graffiti. M5 – Bury Hill Park to Wolverhampton Titford Pools as Road shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements. Bury Hill Park – Formalise as a Right Pedestrian access to the None Titford Pools of Way the link from Wolverhampton Road is provided at Wolverhampton Bury Hill Park to this point. Road Titford Pools as shown in the WSLN. Sign post and assess for other improvements.

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Rowley Hills – Make into This route needs signing from the PROW Windmill End continuous Right of Windmill End section of the path. FP48/RR Windmill End – Way the path across (Footpath) Warrens Hall the Rowley Hills, Park from Windmill End to the Wolverhampton Road as featured in the WSLN. Assess for improvements, especially sign posting. Rowley Hills – Make into There is litter along the route, no PROW Windmill End continuous Right of surface (grass track). Very confusing. FP57/RR Portoway Hill – Way the path across No signposts and no lights. There are (Footpath) Wolverhampton the Rowley Hills, too many paths in the area. Road from Windmill End to the Wolverhampton Road as featured in the WSLN. Assess for improvements, especially sign posting. Brick Kiln Street Formalise, re- Locks to the west. The tarmac surface PROW FP2/TIP – Bradley Loop surface, sign post is ok but the path is overgrown. There (Footpath) and consider lighting is litter in the canal. The footbridge the Princes End has a good surface. There are steps Path to link Brick with a handrail that are in good Kiln Street to the condition however it is overgrown and Bradley Loop. there is litter present. Turton Road – The footpath stops The footpath on the southern end None Irving Road at the borough links up with a small open space that boundary. A link has litter present. Access to this path would enhance the is good. There is quite a lot of litter on ROW network. This this particular pathway and as such a footpath forms part bin might be needed to control this. of a loop that may be useful Woden Road Formalise, This path is the site of a construction None South – resurface, widen, working and as such is impassable. Hampshire sign post and light Road the cycle link.

Tame Valley Surface, sign post Evidence of motor vehicle use, the PROW Canal – Ray and consider lighting surface is damaged, the route is sign CRF14/WB Hall Lane along the Tame from posted, the vegetation is long but not (Road Used as Tame Valley yet obstructing route. There is no litter a Public Path) Canal/M6 underpass present. (Draft Map to Ray Hall Lane. only) Resurface, clear and re-sign post the path from Ray Hall Lane to . Complete the formalisation of status of the whole link.

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Rushall Canal – Formalise and sign The path is an access track for the PROW Wilderness post the path from electricity station at Ray Hall. It is CRF4B/WB Lane the Rushall Canal to surfaced with stones and needs (Road Used as Wilderness Lane. signing. It appears that there is a a Public Path) problem with this track being used for (Draft Map joyriding. only) Whitecrest – Provide good This route is sign posted, there is None Handsworth access from evidence of drug use. The route is a Drive Whitecrest into Holly very poor stone path and there is a Wood. Then through litter problem. The path is becoming Handsworth Drive overgrown. and under the M6 into Walsall Borough. Waynecroft Formalise, The route needs surfacing, there is a Yes PROW Road – resurface, sign post litter problem along the route. It is a CRF6/WB Wilderness and light the off road well-used route (4 people in 5 (Road Used as Lane link from Longlead minutes). a Public Path) up to Red House (Draft Map and Hill Lane. only) Newton Road – Formalise the path The track to the Newton Road has None Forge Mill Farm from Newton Road kissing gate and there is no livestock to Forge Mill Farm in this area, lots of horse manure on and resurface Beacon Way. The underpass is very stretch alongside dark and there are small amounts of Forge Mill Lake litter. Vegetation is well trimmed. Black Country Create a pavement This has been identified as a potential Adopted New Road along the Black site for a pavement along the road as Highway Country New Road there is a need for one.

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Appendix 2 – General Responses to Sandwell’s Pre-Plan RoWIP Consultation

Type of Comment Response Received in Consultation Metro and Bus Rights of way from bus stops and Metro stops should be improved linking to shopping, retail and business centres. Crime and Security Controlling access is suggested where there is a proven track record of anti-social behaviour. This should be seen as a last resort policy and should only be carried out in locations where the usage is low. Routes would also be considered safer if they were straight and Rights of Way should be laid out in a way that naturally reduces crime. Where there are sharp bends mirrors could be used. Vegetation should be well kept to reduce hiding places. New Rights of way should have limited well-kept vegetation. Lighting is a key issue in preventing crime and improving security, dark places are perceived as dangerous. All public Rights of Way should be well lit in the hours of darkness. CCTV would also reduce the crime levels. Crime and Security Installing CCTV where paths are isolated is perhaps unnecessary, if the paths are isolated and uninviting then people will avoid using them at night regardless of CCTV. Examples of what should Routes that fill ‘holes’ in the map (caused by, for example, the be in Sandwell M.B.C.’s Ministry of Defence, hostile landowners at the time the definitive RoWIP map was drawn up); routes which fill gaps on the map, caused by roads, administrative boundaries, and which extend cul-de- sacs so they link in with a highway; routes providing access to attractive parts of the countryside; links that avoid the use of roads; routes from centres of populations; routes that provide safe crossings over canals, railways, rivers and roads; routes along disused railways; routes for local journeys; and removal of unnecessary barriers from routes. Improvements to Rights of Should include good surfaces (preferably tarmac), paths should Way for disabled persons be at least 2 metres wide, Good signing (suitable for the visually impaired), Hand Rails, Trees to be kept clear, Lighting, Resting Platforms on long distances, Benches, Gradients compatible to part M and Chicanes to be accessible to wheelchair users. Hierarchy of rights of way The development of the rights of way into a hierarchy would be welcomed. A survey of use and potential use should be considered to determine the comparative merits of each right of way and form the basis of sequencing improvements. A sensible policy of reducing access where there are ASB problems should be considered in conjunction with the police. Also, improvements to rights of way that would encourage their use and should impact on the health and transport agenda. Conservation issues There are potential threats to wildlife when rights of way are improved, there are also opportunities to undertake positive measures for wildlife and to help both access and link wildlife sites. It is important that wildlife and ecological surveys are carried out before any groundwork’s are undertaken. Development to improve rights of way should ensure existing features such as trees; hedgerows and natural habitats are protected by best practice. There may be certain species of animals such as bats that should be protected under the EU article 10, Habitats Regulation 37. Enhancing habitats and providing access to them with new rights of way will enhance both wildlife in these areas as well as enhancing the Rights of Way. PROW and adopted This is confusing as there are two designations that can apply highways being recorded for the same stretch of route. Can this be amended?

Page 26 Sandwell M.B.C – Local Access Forum Report on ROWIP Process on two separate Council records Lighting on Public Rights There are a number of effects that should be taken into of Way consideration when lighting public footpaths and Rights of Way. These are both positive and negative. The positive is that the lights will reduce the fear of crime in the people using the path. The negative is that there will be extra light shining onto people’s property, which could be considered a nuisance. There is also the problem of Youths using these areas as a congregation point that is lit therefore attracting ASB. There is also the cost of the units and operational costs to be taken into account (£2000 per unit) when looking at lighting schemes on footpaths. Tenure and ROW’s The views from thematic discussions are that ROW’s that serve public space are fine but those on mixed tenure and housing estates cause problems. Advice/guidance on these areas of concern would be of help. Rights of Way that fell into There are no Rights of Way found at the time of assessment land designated as based on current information available. contaminated land

Appendix 3 – Other General Responses to Sandwell’s Pre- Plan RoWIP Consultation

Response Received in Consultation RADAR keys for people to access areas which need to have restricted access due to the misuse of scooters and quad bikes. The RADAR keys would allow disabled people access while preventing ASB. It is currently used on the Canal Network to good effect. ‘Dogging’ and ‘cottaging’ in certain areas is a nuisance and should be stopped. However it is important to note that a recent study by Harper Adams Agricultural college in Newport about this form of anti-social behaviour has shown that moving people away from sites where there is little or no ecological damage could move them to places where they might cause damage. This is something that should be weighed up when considering the measures to be taken. It should not just be for the ‘Dogging’ hot spots, it should be for the entire area as these people are mobile and looking for sites. There should be a mention of the restriction of access to sites where livestock is kept. This should only be used under guidance from DEFRA but there should be some basic idea of which paths need to be closed so that the decision can be made in the quickest possible time to prevent the outbreak of a livestock based infection such as Foot and Mouth or perhaps Bird Flu.

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