Ramblers Triumph In Path Battle

The Ramblers are extremely pleased with themselves today after triumphing in an extended battle with bureacracy to establish a new right of way in North Yorkshire despite an inspector's decision branded 'perverse'.

The new bridleway runs between Boosbeck and Slapewath in Cleveland, North Yorkshire and establishes a 1.5 mile length of disused railway as a public right of way.

The process has been anything but plain sailing though and has taken six years. The process began in 2004 when a local group applied for public status on the grounds of long-running use, this was rejected on account of a technicality relating to a 'lost document'.

 At this point, The Ramblers stepped in and after DEFRA quashed the first inspector's decision, a second public inquiry found in favour of the bridleway.

Local volunteer footpath officer, John Birtill, who represented the Ramblers at both inquiries, commented: “I was bewildered by the perversity of the first judgement. The Ramblers stood alone in taking on the task of pursuing this case to the High Court and the associated risk of costs should we have failed. "

Good to see The Ramblers still doing excellent work at a grass-roots level. More Ramblerfications at www.ramblers.org.uk.