Do you regularly enjoy the footpath down through the woods, adjacent to Broombarn Lane?

Buckinghamshire Council has recently REMOVED the Public Footpath sign on Broombarn Lane, and painted over the one on Broomfield Hill. A recent landowner’s deposition showing rights of way on the land EXCLUDES the footpath. Whilst use of the footpath is not currently blocked, there must be concern as to its future access.

You can read a detailed background paper on the situation here.

Evidently there is some debate over the status of the footpath. Enquiries to Buckinghamshire Council’s ‘Definitive Maps Team’ have received the answer that there is no formal right of way, hence removal of the signs that have stood for decades!

For residents wishing to avert the danger of losing access to the path, there IS a procedure by which residents can apply to the Council to have it reinstated or established as a public footpath.

Such an application can either be based on witnesses declaring that they have used the route, or on historical documentary evidence, or a mixture of both.
In this case, the main argument will come from those who have walked the footpath for years or even decades, guided by the Council’s public footpath signs.

The Council insists that applications must be coordinated. Two local residents are taking on the task, including PCA’s Treasurer Robert Gibson. Alerted by Facebook posts and personal contact, many users have come forward, some who have been walking the path for 40 or even 50 years! But we need as broad an evidence base as possible.

If you are concerned by this, AND USE THIS FOOTPATH, here are resources for helping to add your voice.

PCA is looking to submit the application on or around Thursday 20th March. Please send your application to info@prestwoodcommunity.uk, or let us know if you need any assistance.