Our Public Rights of Way Team manage over 400 km of public rights of way across the Borough, including footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, and byways open to all traffic. Their role is to keep these routes open, safe, and accessible for everyone by maintaining the Definitive Map, protecting public access, and continually improving the network as our communities grow and change.

Working proactively, they update the Definitive Map, process legal changes to routes, and manage public path orders linked to new development or local need. A well-structured maintenance programme ensures that bridges, gates, stiles, surfaces, signage, and waymarking are kept to a high standard, supporting confident use by a wide range of users.

Collaborative working is at the heart of what they do. Proactively with partners to secure funding for improvements, including through s106 agreements and external grants. They also provide invaluable support Parish Councils, volunteers, and local user groups who play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing paths in their communities.

Alongside managing the Borough’s Local Access Forum, a statutory group that provides expert advice on public access, they also work closely with colleagues across the Council—from Ecology and Environmental Services to Planning, Neighbourhood Services, and Highways to ensure rights of way are fully considered in wider projects and future planning.

Through partnership, engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement, their aim is to provide a high quality network that supports recreation, wellbeing, sustainable travel, and stronger connections across the Borough.