PROW NEWS – JUNE 2023 UPDATES
- Footpath Volunteers’ Day at Lenham, Saturday 13 May
This was a success with some 30+ people attending. Interesting input from KCC, a Parish Council representative and the British Horse Society. Plus the attendees themselves, of course! Well worth attending next time.
2. Order now made to divert Alkham footpath ER150 at Chalksole Green
This short and probably little-used path would be diverted north-east (instead of running due east as at present) to avoid residential accommodation at The Paddock. A better diversionary route than that originally proposed : less indirect and with extra walking along the quiet Ferne Lane reduced from 120 yards to 70 yards. We are also promised that stiles will be replaced by gates.
3. Order now made to upgrade footpaths south of the old Bishopsbourne station to bridleways
Another Hugh Craddock claim, so likely to succeed. But really the upgrading proposal from Bishopbourne railway station bridge up towards the woodland and then as far south as Pheasant’s Hall (1.25 miles along CB289/291) isn’t that contentious. However, upgrading the section of CB295 from the end of Park Lane (by the “Mermaid”) up to the point at which the path turns west out of the sunken lane, creates a bridleway cul-de-sac and thus a turning point at which it would be difficult to manoeuvre a horse?? So minimal use of this section is likely.
4. Minor diversions of footpaths in Aylesham (EE291/291A, EE461/288)
More orders now proposed, including one specifically to clear up the mess left by Dover DC’s flawed attempts at diversion orders in the 2010s. Such work is now undertaken by KCC, fortunately. Diversions are mostly north of the village centre, all effectively unavoidable and due to yet more housing development in what is rapidly becoming a town. Not really an issue for “country walkers” like White Cliffs.
5. Temporary closure of bridleway ER233 from the main A258 through to the Blue Pigeons Farm, Worth – the beaver issue
Unfortunately there are no quick fixes here, especially as KCC have not encountered this problem before. The Environment Agency, Natural England, the Inland Drainage Board and other parties are all involved. KCC’s ever-helpful Heather Waller said: “It is not so straightforward. Apart from the wildlife issues, I need to tie in repairs at the same time, which requires ordering 2 tonnes of puddle clay (I am struggling to source it), and getting it to the site at the correct consistency; also getting a licenced beaver technician, contractor and any other overseeing party there at the same time, so that we can collapse the burrow in order to rebuild the bridleway, with the aid of cameras to protect any lodging beavers. I am awaiting a confirmation from the beaver man and then I will proceed to order the clay which must be used at this location. Then we have no guarantee of there not being other burrows.”
6.Extended “temporary” closure of footpath EE42 by Plucks Gutter Bridge
The 50 yards or so of path immediately east of Plucks Gutter bridge over the Stour has been “temporarily” closed since late 2017, due to the jetty which people walk across being structurally unsafe. No progress has been made on this, so closure has been extended again – until June 2025 (!). The only good news is that an alternative route via footpath EE83 is very close at hand and signed as such.
7. Hythe seafront development – dead in the water
You will no doubt be aware of the proposal for a major development at Princes Parade, on the seaward side of the Royal Military Canal (Saxon Shore Way). And that controversy has raged locally, but with no real work done as yet, not least because of the local District Council’s financial situation. Now, with Council Leader and chief proponent David Monk ousted by the electorate, the new Greens coalition has promised to scrap it.
- No “new news” this month on any of the other outstanding PROW change issues, or major planning issues.
So in the meantime, if you would like more details of these or any other PROW issues, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or by email at roger.rambler89@outlook.com
