Paths provide excellent value for money, according to Kate Ashbrook

Paths provide excellent value for money, according to Kate Ashbrook

Well maintained public paths are vital for tourism, a former Ramblers’ chairman said.

Kate Ashbrook, speaking at a meeting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a walking group, pointed out that they also provide excellent value for money in the country’s straitened financial times. She congratulated East Sussex County Council for taking enforcement action on paths at Arlington.

Ms Ashbrook, who is also general secretary of campaign group the Open Spaces Society, spoke to the gathering at Tunbridge Wells to mark 20 years of the Ramblers’ High Weald Walkers group. She told the meeting: “Public paths give top value for money and are an excellent investment in these financially troubled times.

“In East Sussex, home of the High Weald Walkers, the county council is making great efforts to get the paths in order.  We congratulate the council on its recent enforcement action on paths at Arlington.

“Councillors will do well to invest in the public path network.  These arteries of the countryside bring huge pleasure to thousands of people — residents and visitors.

Kate Ashbrook

Kate Ashbrook

“If people can feel confident that the paths shown on the Ordnance Survey maps are in good order, they will be more likely to walk in this beautiful area and to spend money here. Public paths are crucial for tourism.

“While the county is making great strides to improve the paths, there are still plenty of problems: ploughing, cropping, overgrowth, lack of signposts and waymarks, and missing stiles and gates.”

Ms Ashbrook pointed out these are a severe deterrent to people to enjoy the countryside and exercise their rights there. The Ramblers lead the way in reporting problems and doing practical work to clear the paths, she said.

“We also claim paths for the official map of rights of way, and after many years, our claim for five miles of paths at Bayham Abbey, on the East Sussex-Kent border, is heading for resolution. If we succeed, these will open up some wonderful walking on this expansive estate, thanks to the Ramblers.

“I congratulate the High Weald Walkers on their first 20 years, and wish them many more years of happy walking and campaigning to ensure that everyone can enjoy this beautiful countryside.”

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