Footpath is a danger for walkers, say residents (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Footpath is a danger for walkers, say residents
12:10pm Saturday 28th November 2009 in News By Emily Roberts
RESIDENTS have complained about the appalling state of a path, which has been churned up by quad bikes and used as a rubbish tip.
A group addressed Overton parish councillors at their meeting, to describe the condition of the Harrow Way, and said sections of the ancient track had become impossible to walk along.
One woman said: “It’s quite dangerous for anyone walking. There are four-by-four vehicles using it and quad bikes so it all gets churned up. There’s rubbish everywhere.”
Another suggested the track, which is classed as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT), should be downgraded so it can be used only by pedestrians.
She added: “I have been in discussion with various people around the village about downgrading it and this is what everyone wants.”
Councillor Peter Baker agreed with the residents, adding: “It’s completely unusable by pedestrians. The mud has got so deep it’s impossible to walk along there. I get people reporting fly-tipping all the time.”
But Cllr Lucy Sloane Williams said it was impossible to keep everyone happy.
Speaking after the meeting, she added: “I can remember trying to walk it and there was mud everywhere and I had to cling on to the trees to stop myself falling over.
“It’s a bit of an assault course. You try to accommodate everyone but different activity groups don’t always work well together.
“Motorcyclists are allowed to use it for getting from A to B but that’s not what they use it for. They use it as a racetrack. It’s difficult for these young people to find somewhere to drive their bikes. Young men have to burn energy.”
Council chairman Cllr Alan Whitney said the county council has made BOAT a priority for maintenance.
Mechengineer says...
4:34pm Thu 17 Dec 09
As a public carriageway the local Council is responsible for maintaining the safe and satisfactory condition and use of this Byway. We understand that budget constraints can limit works that can be carried out but would add that elsewhere in the County coordinated user group volunteers have assisted the Council in providing localised improvement works to ensure enjoyed usage is maintained. I for one, together with other local TRF members, would be happy to assist where we can.