The Town Council has become aware that the landowner of the commonly used route from Darkey Lane to Brewham is intending to close the path to all access.
This path is one of the most popular in Bruton with walkers, runners, dog owners and children, running as it does on the banks of the Brue.
The legal situation of the route is complex, as the right of way does not follow the current path because of the loss of a bridge many years ago. Restoring the bridge is unlikely to happen for the foreseeable future as Somerset County Council does not have the available funds.
Bruton Town Council is extremely concerned about the loss of an important amenity to the town, and is seeking a meeting with the landowner to explore possible options as soon as possible. We will report back when we have more information.
I am very sad that this this sudden and arbitrary action has been taken. I urge the council to act quickly to address this situation. The path that has been used for over a decade to my knowledge has been used responsibly and sensitively. This high handed action cannot be tolerated and needs to be addressed.
I use this footpath daily, as do many of my friends! We are all bewildered as to why this sudden action is taking place! I take my dogs walking there, I have ran many a mile over the fields and I even take my nephews to the river when they visit from Suffolk!
It will be a huge loss to the Bruton community if this footpath is allowed to close!!
Has the ownership of the land changed hands recently? Why is there a stile to go into the field if walkers are to be denied access? As far as I am aware that footpath has been used for probably 25 years by the general public. It is the start of a short walk for some or a longer one to pick up the path to Brewham or up to the Hardway via the dam. Looking at the os map it appears there is another footpath north of the river but there must have been an arrangement that it changed to where it is now? Isn’t it so that if a footpath has been used regularly for so many years it is designated one? Also why would the little bridge with the gate have been built where it is with a footpath sign? Lots of questions for the Town Council’s meeting with the landowner.
On another thread it state that the landowner has not put the sign up but the person who leases the land. Don’t know if that is correct but the question I want answered is why put it up? I have walked it many times and not seen anybody abuse the area. Reminds me of the Scottish lords trying to stop ramblers crossing their land even on designated paths.
It would be very sad if this path were lost. It’s about the only area in Bruton that’s not hilly, and so ideal for casual runners.
This path may be in a beautiful part of Bruton, I spent many a childhood year around the Brue myself, but as far as I know it is not a public footpath. The land is used for grazing and is no doubt cheapened by many dog owners who assume public right of way without cleaning up after themselves. As a private landowner I would be extremely frustrated with this situation myself. Moreover, illegal raves and motorbike joy riding have punctuated the lack of consideration in this area in recent years, a problem that Bruton as a whole should be working together to stop.