Improvements to the rights of way network

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The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)

The Rights of Way Improvement Plan RoWIP 3mb outlines the aims and objectives of Wiltshire Council in managing the county’s rights of way network. It covers use for both leisure and utility journeys (such as shopping and school journeys) and developing countryside access. Although it is focused on the rights of way network, it also considers the use and improvement of other areas of land that the public may use for access, such as access land, permissive paths or canal towpaths.

The actions within the Rights of Way Improvement Plan RoWIP 3mb broadly cover:

• Raising and improving awareness of the rights of way network and changes to the network as they occur
• Maintaining the network
• Improving the network to meet current needs, for example by adding missing links or upgrading it to make it easier to use by all (eg putting in gates rather than stiles or improving surfacing)
• Involving volunteers and working in partnership with other organisations

   

Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum (CAF)

The CAF is a statutory body which was set up to provide strategic advice to Wiltshire Council about the management of access land. It also provides advice on the management and improvement of public access to the countryside. The group represents the wide range of interests that must be considered in the management of countryside access.

The CAF meets at least twice a year and meetings are open to the public.

Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum website

Paths Improvement Grant Scheme (PIGS)

The Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum, in partnership with Wiltshire Councilm runs the Paths Improvement Grant Scheme. The scheme is aimed at helping Town and Parish Councils to make innovative improvements to countryside access in their area for residents and visitors. PIGS provides match funding and can also be used to help lever in other funding sources.

Examples of schemes that have been funded in previous years include:

• Improved surfacing on a footpath which links the two parts of Castle Combe village, so residents can use the route more easily all year round
• A permissive path along an attractive section of the river Avon at Great Somerford
• A permissive path in Tisbury which improves safety by bypassing the previous situation of a steep bank down to a narrow stretch of road
• Several schemes to replacing stiles with kissing gates on paths around and between villages, making it easier for people to get around

All schemes have to be submitted via Parish or Town Councils. For further details of the scheme please see the CAF website

Read the Rights of Way Improvement Plan Rights of Way Improvement Plan 3mb

Last updated: 16 December 2011