Core Paths – Your views are needed
Thursday, June 28 2007
A series of drop-in meetings is taking place to gather views on plans to establish a network of ‘core paths’ in the Borders.
A new duty has been imposed on local authorities, requiring them to draw up a plan for a system of paths “sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”.These paths are to be known as core paths and local authorities must produce a plan by February next year.
Core paths can be rights of way, promoted routes or any other routes that can provide reasonable access to the public.
The core path network should accommodate all types of functional and recreational users.
The Scottish Borders has a network of rights of way, promoted routes, and longer distance routes, such as the Southern Upland Way. It is likely that some of these existing routes will become core paths.
Scottish Borders Council has been collecting information from communities over the past year to identify where these paths could be. This has been used to draw up a draft plan.
Senior Access Officer, Neil Mackay, said: “To get a balance between theworking landscape and recreational opportunities, we are seeking theviews of farmers, land managers, landowners and those using the outdoors for recreation such as walking, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing or other outdoor activities.
“This is the first opportunity to influence where core paths may be throughout the Borders and I would encourage all with an interest in the outdoors to comment.”
The plan and comment forms will be available for viewing from mid July in local libraries, council offices, on the council’s website at www.scotborders.gov.uk .
In addition, drop-in meetings will take place at the following locations, from 5pm-8pm:
Thurs 5th July - Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells
Mon 9th July - Room 3, Abbey Row Centre, Abbey Row, Kelso
Thurs 12th July - Eyemouth Community Centre, Albert Road, Eyemouth
Mon 16th July - Jedburgh Town Hall, Abbey Place, Jedburgh
Thurs 19thJuly - Council Chamber, Galashiels Area Office, Albert Place Galashiels
Mon 23rd July - Council Chamber, Duns Area Office, Newtown Street, Duns
Thurs 26th July - Council Chamber, Peebles Area Office, Rosetta Road, Peebles
Thurs 2nd Aug - Heritage Hub, Tower Dykeside, Hawick
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