PROW NEWS – JUNE 2024 UPDATES
New definitive footpath claimed connecting two Kingsdown bridleways
For years we have used a short (50 yards) path connecting bridleways ER23 and ER24 at Kingsdown. The south end (the ER24 junction) leads off the southern end of the metalled Victoria Road at GR 373 477, and it’s normally used by people walking north-westwards through Kingsdown Wood and onward towards Ringwould. I can never remember any problems with using this link path, so hopefully it’s an open and shut case.
Claimed new restricted byway from Martin to the A258 at Oxney Bottom
One of Hugh Craddock’s more “left field” claims, as up to now I’ve never seen or heard of this route existing or being used in living memory. (Hugh of course uses historical evidence – and it does appear on the 1945 one inch OS map). The restricted byway is claimed to begin at the top end of Lucerne Lane at Martin (near the junction with The Street) at GR 340 470. It then runs south-eastwards for ¾ mile under an existing railway bridge to reach the main A258 at GR 351 468, just before the bend beyond which lies Oxney Bottom. Not that useful for walkers or horses in that they would be left on a narrow main road with some considerable way to go before they reached the next PROW. It will be interesting to see what KCC make of this.
Northbourne EE 368 – temporary diversion adjacent to the west end of the lake fronting Betteshanger Road extended to May 2025
“Works” in the area just off Betteshanger Road, which leads SW from the A258 roundabout, mean that the definitive line of this footpath (at GR 341 533), will be closed for a further year. However, an alternative route will be provided close by, so no problems are envisaged. Of course, much of the area just west of here, on the old colliery site towards Almond House, is likely to become a housing development in the not-too-distant-future.
Dover DC approves new housing in the “horse field” adjoining St Margaret’s footpath ER28 (Dover DC ref 24/00006)
The headline on the planning front this month has been the approval of a plan to build 15 houses just to the north-east of Station Road, St. Margaret’s, in the field between there and New Townsend Farm. Footpath ER28, heading towards Nelson Park, runs along the eastern boundary. Although if we were heading back towards Ringwould, we would have turned off ER28 onto ER41 just before this point. See article at https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/soulless-plans-for-15-homes-on-horse-field-get-green-light-307210/
Particularly bad rape blockage north of Mongeham church
Anyone heading to or from Mongeham church from Sholden or Northbourne will have found a major rape blockage has probably prevented their planned walk. Footpaths ED49, ED51, EE399A and EE371 are badly affected, although in many recent years they have been perfectly passible. A number of complaints have been made to KCC, but whether the routes will be restored before harvesting in July is open to doubt. But at least they will be on the “black list” for checking next year.
Meeting of Parish FP Observers at St. Margaret’s, 17 May
This well-attended event was organised by Margaret-Milsted-Williamson and proved very interesting – and positive, in that several new recruits came forward. There was a colourful presentation courtesy of John Pye, and KCC PROW Officers Ed Denne and Heather Waller graced us with their presence and were prepared to answer questions. It’s wonderful that all 53 parishes in the White Cliffs area are now covered, but as some people cover several parishes I doubt if any potential extra help would be turned away!
…And finally – recap of orders made some time ago but still awaiting resolution
- Eastry and Woodnesborough – creation of new restricted byway (EE499) between Selson Lane and the Eastry-Staple road
- Alkham – diversion of footpath ER150 close to Ferne Lane, Chalksole Green. More than a year since the order was published, and no idea why such a delay.
As always, if you would like more details about any of the issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
