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Have your say on Rights of Way
There are many miles of footpaths, bridleways, and cycle tracks that wind their way through the borough. Maintaining and improving these ‘Rights of Way’ is the responsibility of Kingston Council.
The Council has published a draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan which takes a detailed look at how the local Rights of Way network should be managed, maintained and improved to meet the needs of walkers, cyclists, equestrians and, wherever possible, less able users. Residents and other Rights of Way users now have until 17 April to read the draft plan and offer their feedback.
It is the first time the Council has produced a dedicated improvement plan for its Rights of Way network. The document contains information about the existing network, an assessment of the issues compromising its enjoyment, and the Council’s action plan for its ongoing management, maintenance and improvement.
Previous research has shown that the borough’s Rights of Way network is already well maintained. It is also highly valued and well-used by residents and visitors to the borough. Areas of suggested improvement have included better signage, information about flora and fauna along the routes and the removal of obstacles.
Councillor Bob Steed, Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change at Kingston Council, said: “Rights of Way are particularly numerous in the South of the Borough, providing access to the lovely wide open spaces around Chessington and Malden Rushett. But there are also key Rights of Way in other parts of the borough, such as the one that links Canbury Gardens with Teddington Lock and the one that runs along the borough boundary between Kingston Vale and New Malden.
“The Council is committed to maintaining and improving the condition of these Rights of Way and we are keen to hear what residents think of our draft improvement strategy for making this happen.”
Residents have until 17 April 2009 to make comments on the draft Improvement Plan. An electronic copy of the plan and an electronic response form is available below.
Copies of the plan are also available for inspection at any local library, or the Main Guildhall and Guildhall 2 (High Street, Kingston KT1 1EU) receptions between 9am and 4.45pm, Mondays to Fridays.
Representations can be sent by post to: Mathew Stewart, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EU