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Call to make country paths in Rutland more accessible




Paths through the countryside will be opened up to people with limited mobility using tech and alternatives to stiles.

A report ‘Miles Without Barriers’ by John Law is highlighting a lack of accessible routes in Rutland - only three are publicised: two at Rutland Water and one at Exton.

Mr Law presented his findings to a meeting of Rutland Countryside Access Forum, part of the county council, and said part of the solution was to provide a website displaying how accessible individual routes are across Rutland’s network of paths.

Footpath sign in Rutland
Footpath sign in Rutland

He would like them to be categorised into those that do not have barriers to those with mobility issues, such as stiles.

“We will need to involve members of the public in checking and collecting data to ensure the correct information is available to categorise public rights of way,” he said.

“Additionally, the public can survey the routes and once the web site is live, ensure standards do not deteriorate.”

Rutland sign (62924292)
Rutland sign (62924292)

He wants Rutland’s paths to be open for ‘green prescribing’, in which people are advised to visit the countryside to aid their physical and mental wellbeing.

“Volunteers will be required from all communities to help us understand the nature of the public rights of way network,” Mr Law added.

“It will be useful if we can attract people to volunteer from all sectors, whether they are individuals or groups.

“The social prescribing team could also see this as the start of the connection between their clients and a green social prescribing activity.”

He suggested funding to support training volunteers, and the website, could come from the National Lottery and Natural England.

Members of the Rutland Countryside Access Forum agreed to investigate the matter further before its next meeting, which is currently scheduled for September 6.



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