The matter below were raised with Hampshire County Council representatives at a meeting of the Hampshire Area Footpath Committee meeting on 17 April 2007 and they have undertaken to review the situation with a view to a definitive statement being issued on the position of the County Council. A request by the Eastleigh Group for approval for action being under Section 56 of the Highways Act 1980was deferred pending the County Council's statement and the matter will be discussed again at the next meeting on 10 July 2007.
This path runs from Blundell Lane along the River Hamble west side and ends at Footpath No 15 West End in the Manor Farm Country Park. At Grid Reference SU495105 the route goes through a farm gate between fields where there is a stile. The combination of farm vehicles, pedestrians and animals using the same route has resulted the surface of the path in winter becoming out of repair and only passable using Wellington boots or similar. The members of the Bursledon Rights of Way and Amenities Preservation Group in the pictures below are illustrating the problem. The Group brought this matter to the Eastleigh Group's attention on 25 January 2006 and two winters have now passed without any improvement being effected despite correspondence with Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and the agent for the owner. Consideration is now being given to the taking of legal action under Section 56 of the Highways Act 1980 against Hampshire County Council as the highway authority to require them to restore the path so that it is suitable for use in winter. It is not only a popular path from which to enjoy the views over the River Hamble but it provides access to the Manor Farm Country Park for those living in Bursledon.
Richard Kenchington, Footpath Secretary - Richkench@aol.com 18 April 2007
CLAIMED PATH SOUTH OF SCHOOL ROAD, BURSLEDON
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 August 2007 directed Hampshire County Council to make a Definitive Map Modification Order relating to a claimed footpath between Grid References 483096 and 483094 running south from School Road, Bursledon to Footpath No 6 Bursledon which runs between Kew Lane and School Road. The County Council had rejected the claim but those making the claim successfully appealed against their decision to the Secretary of State. The making of the Order is now awaited. In the meantime if you have used this path, which is clearly identifiable on the OS Sheets, and have not submitted your evidence of that use please contact me. If you want a copy of the decision letter and have a broadband connection please also contact me. Richard Kenchington, Footpath Secretary by email to eastleighrambler@aol.com
THE HAMPSHIRE (EASTLEIGH BOROUGH
NO 14) (PARISH OF BURSLEDON) DEFINITIVE MAP MODIFICATION ORDER 2007
On 9th October 2008 the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the above Order which adds three new paths to the Definitive Map in the vicinity of the Jolly Sailor leading to the foreshore at Bursledon. The Order was made following a claim by Diane Andrewes and supported by many local residents. A map showing the paths in question is on the Internet at http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/row_order_advertising/councils/documents/fps_q1770_7_18map.pdf
The Decision Letter can be found at http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/row_order_advertising/councils/documents/fps_q1770_7_18.pdf
Richard Kenchington, Footpath Secretary
Richard Kenchington, Footpath Secretary. eastleighrambler@aol.com