Agenda item

Rob Greatorex, DCC Rights of Way (RoW), updated the Forum on Rights of Way manangement and repairs, including notes from the Peak District LAF sub-group meeting on 20/05/24.  He also outlined the Capital spending programme for 2024/25.

From 13 May, Rob has a new role as Senior Project Engineer for Highways Inspections, with a remit for all highways inspections, the new roads and street works function at DCC, and public Rights of Way.  Rob oversees the work on RoW rather than having direct involvement.

Towards the end of 2023-2024 it wasn’t possible to complete that year’s programme due to adverse weather.  This was compounded by a residue of works from previous years, so DCC have had to be realistic about what can be delivered for the 2024-2025 Capital Programme.

Hollowford Road at Castleton and the Long Causeway at Outseats are among the 30 minor schemes scheduled for 2024-2025.  The proposed delivery of some schemes in the Peak District that haven’t been completed in previous years include routes at Bamford, Edale, Birchover, South Darley, Monyash, Chinley, Holmesfield and Eyam.

The need for DCC to prioritise repairs to Derbyshire’s roads has resulted in a backlog of rights of way schemes to be delivered on the ground.  The programme of works is open to review as a result.  Some schemes may have to come back onto the list for 2025/2026 or beyond.

Nick Doran noted that the aims this year were lower, with smaller projects compared to the previous year.  Rob responded that they had probably been over ambitious previously, plus the impact of bad weather, which meant a relook at setting the schedule.  The 2024/25 list is deliverable.

Martin mentioned the number of pot holes, but also that cycling routes are good.  Could route maps and interpretation boards show definitive map numbers.  Rob felt this was a good idea, and will look into it.  Susan praised the fingerpost work that had been carried out.

Clare wondered how work was prioritised and Rob advised this was done using a scoring criteria of incoming enquiries from the public, parish councils etc as well as input from the LAF.  Clare suggested that the LAF could help by feeding back information to DCC.  Louise said that there was an annual meeting between LAF and DCC RoW to help prioritise route repairs.

Craig asked how DCC works with larger landowners such as the National Trust, where their priority work could help with resourcing for RoW maintenance.  Although this was something to explore, Rob pointed out the complex procurement regulations within DCC and service level agreements with other organisations.

Austin Knott asked about the route at Bamford Clough, which has been closed for a while.  Rob advised that they aim to sort this year with an experimental Traffic Regulation Order, where consultation responses need taking back to the Cabinet Member for guidance.  BOAT 31 at Eyam has been washed out and has had to be temporarily closed.  Austin queried why the route has to be closed to all users, when people can still walk and cycle on it.  Rob advised that the route is very damaged, but it could be reviewed.

Austin commented on the good work done on signposts, but unfortunately some have been removed.  Some could have been accidental, but others are malevolent.  Stickers have been added to advise against removal which is a criminal offence.  Rob confirmed that even though timber signposts have been installed, some way markers are still being removed or damaged.

Gill Millward commented on the 23 red routes discussed at previous sub-group meetings, where it was useful to have feedback from all the different user groups represented on the LAF.  Louise encouraged LAF members to feedback about key routes at the sub-group meeting, which can provide a different perspective on current schemes.  Feedback is mainly on Derbyshire schemes.  LAF doesn’t hear back from other constituent authorities on a routine basis.

Martin said that people can take secateurs to keep access on routes clear, for example, going over stiles.  Rob advised that a vegetation clearance programme started in mid-May.  700 sites are treated each year, and most paths are visited twice.

Jez suggested that with the amount of surfaces being washed away, more drainage work rather than less should be carried out.  Landowners would be happy for people to do their own maintenance, but there is no mechanism to connect up volunteer groups with landowner.  The Land Registry can be accessed to check details of land ownership, but Martin suggested that this service should be made free and open to all.  Louise added that drainage work should include working with landowners on schemes to hold water.

Action: 

The report on Derbyshire RoW management and repairs is noted, along with that from the LAF Sub-Group meeting on 20 May 2024.