Moving A Footpath

[marky r 25]

Im hoping someone here can help me iv got a bit of land but theres a footpath that goes down our fence at the end of our small field and im after the bit of land at the other side of the foot path to make our field bigger
Now I know getting the path moved would be a pain in the bum. What I want to know is if I get the land on the other side of the fence. Am I liable if any body falls on the path and brakes there ankle or for personal injury? and do I have to maintain the foot path e.g keep in clear of thorn and brambles so cyclsits and dog walkers can get past?

[Malt 379]

I wouldn't have thought you'd be liable for any accidents otherwise every dull c**t who takes a spill out and about the countryside would be having claims in!

[paulus 26]

• By law you must keep rights of way clear and unobstructed. It is a criminal offence to discourage rights of public access with misleading signs.

Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly

• Keep paths, boundaries, signs, gates and stiles in good order. Consent must be obtained from the Local Authority before altering the surface of a public right of way.

Where public access leads through a boundary feature, such as a fence or hedge, maintain the structure – stile or gate – or create a gap if you can. When installing new structures make sure you have the permission of West Sussex County Council. Please contact the Public Rights of Way Team.

Where necessary, give clear and polite guidance regarding land management operations.

Make sure your land is kept clear of waste, which will discourage flytipping (illegal dumping of rubbish) and encourage others to be responsible with their litter.

Identify possible threats to visitor safety

• Draw the public’s attention to potential man-made and natural hazards on your land (for example,. pesticides).

Avoid using electric fencing, barbed wire and other hazards close to areas that people visit, particularly alongside narrow paths and at the height of a child.

Do not let animals that are likely to attack visitors roam freely where the public has access – you may be liable for any resulting harm

[J.DOG 1,355]

Never knew you could move footpaths

Edited June 11, 2013 by J.DOG

[sussex 5,802]

You can move them BUT .what a pain in the ass.I worked on an estate in sussex the footpath went right by the main house, no more than 25yds from the front door .It took about 3 years , every rambler in the world objected to it being moved ..and when it finally was no one took any notice of the signs to the new path that had to be constructed passed by the council etc etc ...They all worked on the " if its not in the rambling guide " option ..They used to take the signs down & chuck them in the undergrowth along with the please keep your dogs on a lead signs...they never see a problem with dogs & poults..