Here are a few facts and figures about Public Rights of Way which we learnt about in the Parish Plan consultation process, specifically from a meeting held with the Countryside Access Development Officer from Norfolk County Council (NCC).

Salhouse has 9 footpaths and one bridleway. Superimposed on all these is NCC Circular Walk (CW) 57, which also includes the track from Vicarage Road to the Tipples Farm access, across Bell Lane and along the track to Bears Grove railway crossing, where it meets the bridleway. CW 57 is waymarked in an anti clockwise direction starting from the Playing Field car park.

Norfolk County Council is responsible for the maintenance of footpath surfaces. Landowners are responsible for cutting back overgrown vegetation and have a duty to keep footpaths in order (a requirement of receiving DEFRA payments) and to prevent obstructions. If a footpath lies between land owned by two landowners, each is deemed to own up to the middle of the footpath unless a title deed shows otherwise.

Norfolk has 2,500 miles of paths and NCC cuts 60% of these. They employ 16 contractors and maintenance is focused on those paths which receive complaints regarding their state. If the condition of a path generates a series of complaints its maintenance may be added to their schedule and it will then receive more regular care.

These are placed at junctions of paths. NCC also has a duty to do this where a footpath leaves a public highway. Traditionally, in Norfolk, wooden finger posts are used at these points, with discs used elsewhere. NCC will maintain/replace if notified of problems.

Tracks which cross fields: Footpath – 1 metre, Bridleway – 2 metres.

Tracks around a field edge: Footpath – 1.5 metres, Bridleway – 3 metres.

Otherwise there is no statutory width; a footpath will extend from one boundary to another.

The Definitive Map is a legal document which shows the routes and designated status of official (registered) bridleways and public footpaths. It cannot be purchased but you can view it at County Hall and at main libraries. Broadland District Council will also have a copy for the local area and Parish Councils also hold the Definitive Map sheets which cover their parish.

The only official bridleway shown on the Definitive map of Salhouse runs from Stonehouse Bridge to Larch Wood on the Bear’s Grove track. A legal order has to be given to change the official use of a footpath to bridleway. However, it is not illegal for horses to use footpaths providing that landowners give permission; this permission does not require notification to any authority. Current Parish Plan research indicates that no landowners have given permission for horse riders to use designated footpaths in the Parish.

Other rights also exist which allow routes to be used as bridleways eg: documentary evidence such as tithe maps or user evidence such as proof of use by horses over a 20 year period. This excludes horses employed for work on the land.

If problems occur the Parish Council should approach landowners in the first instance and then, if the problem remains unresolved, NCC. If horses are causing a hazard or damage is being caused to the surface of the paths, NCC can act to stop horses using footpaths by putting up signs or erecting barriers, such as a fence.

Owners are obliged to keep their animals under ‘close control’ meaning that, if your dog does not always return to you when called, you should keep it on a lead. This is particularly relevant where livestock is present. Livestock owners have a right to protect their animals.

If reported, NCC will, under present legislation, ask the landowner to remove it. Barbed wire is generally used on inner fencing only, if required for livestock control.

Landowners need consent to put up new stiles/gates but NCC, where possible, tries to promote the removal of stiles and encourage access friendly paths. However, security of livestock will be the first concern of landowners. All stiles must be British Standard and maintenance is the responsibility of landowners. In some parts of Norfolk new ramblers’ gates are being introduced in place of stiles; these fulfil the criteria for some livestock while providing more user friendly access.

Cyclists are allowed to use bridleways but have no right to use footpaths. NCC will act if complaints are received.

If a footpath has become disused and parishioners can find proof that it has been used for 20 years as an access route (to get from one place to another), the landowner will be required to keep the footpath in order.

Landowners must follow the Safety Plan regarding the type of spraying in progress.