Footpath Report 18/6/2016

Footpath Report 18/6/2016

Introduction -Councillors Hughes, Hookway and Sawyer volunteered to inspect footpaths in the parish. The following report details the inspections carried out in June and also includes information from other sources such as other councillors and the residents of Wakering.

Footpath 3Inspected by Marion Sawyer

Runs from beside no. 2 Barling Road (near Silchester Corner) to Barrow Hall Road.

The Silchester Corner end is used as a vehicle access to Smithcroft Bungalow and therefore unless this property becomes unoccupied this should not present any problems, this part is about 35% of the total length of the footpath. I have not yet checked the remaining approx 600 meters.

Footpath 5Inspected by Marion Sawyer

Runs north from Southend Road from a little east of Oldbury Cottages to Barrow Hall Road near the haul road.

It is impassable at the southern end by Oldbury cottages. There are 7 cottages. I spoke to a number of residents,residents of 5 cottages would use it if it was cleared and one resident possibly some time in the future, the residents of the other cottage did not seem to be in. The Barrow Hall Road end looks clear but I have not yet checked it.

Footpath 8Inspected by Marion Sawyer, Tina Hughes and Neil Hookway

Runs from Alexandra Road to Star Lane.

Where the footpath runs along behind the houses in Alexandra Roadsome kind person has given the stinging nettles a good beating. They have also tackled the steps where it leaves the field behind Alexandra Road and joins the “temporary road”.

The footpath leaves the temporary road near the south west corner of the ponds to join the track which runs alongside the old brickworks site. The part from the temporary road to the track is impassable due to brambles and Russian vine.ECC representative said last year he would ensure it is dealt with this year. This needs cutting urgently.

As people have been unable to get through the official footpath they have forced a way through within a few inchesof a drop of 4’ to 5’ to the pond.Which is clearly dangerous.

The part tackled by the good Samaritan needs to be professionally cut otherwise it will be covered in stinging nettles within a few weeks.

Footpath 11 information from a resident

Runs from Conway Avenue to Poynters Lane also referred to as Lionfields.

I understand has been well cut.

Footpath 13 Inspected by Tina Hughes and Neil Hookway

Both Tina and myself have inspected the Footpath that runs from Cupids Chase to New Road (Landwick).
1) Cupids Chase to Victoria Drive - this is completely overgrown and the vegetation is waist high. The footpath is completely obscured and there is no sign of any recent usage. This is in desperate need of a cut.
2) Victoria Drive to Goldsworthy Drive - this has been cut and manicured. The vegetation and grassed area is cut low, possibly by locals. This includes the area up to the M.O.D. Gate. No maintenance required.
3) Goldsworthy Drive to Seaview Drive - the path is mostly clear and easily accessible. However, the vegetation has not been cut recently and is starting to infringe onto the footpath. A cut is required, but not urgent.
4) Seaview Drive to New Road (Landwick) - this is similar to 3), but with more areas where the vegetation infringes on the footpath. Some parts of the footpath are obscured, but mostly by grass. This is still easily accessible, but a cut is required (not urgent). The stinging nettles were heavily cut back last year, and have not yet grown back to cause a problem along the footpath.

Footpath 15Information from Councillor Loding

Runs from the Common to Landwick.

This footpath is overgrown but passable.

Footpath 32 an ongoing problem

Runs from High Street to Conway Avenue by the butcher’s.

The end near Conway Ave is overgrown and ECC Footpath Inspector is going to look into it. It is believed the main problem is outgrowth from gardens which is the responsibility of residents who border the footpath.

Marion Sawyer