Agenda item

To consider an update on the maintenance of the 46 public rights of way (PROW) in Blackpool and review possible PROW path walking routes.

Mr Ian Large, Head of Highway and Traffic Management Services, presented an update outlining progress on work to maintain and reopen public rights of way (PRoW) in Blackpool. He reported that the majority of Blackpool’s 46 PRoWs were accessible and that work continued in partnership with ENVECO and the Council’s Estates Team to reopen those that were not. Work was also continuing to promote the use of PRoW to improve public health and access to leisure, recognising that many communities had demonstrated affection for their local PRoW. This included improving linkage between paths as part of the Council’s Active Travel programme.

The Committee noted that some pathways were in areas where a substantial increase in usage could potentially have a detrimental effect on local bio-diversity. Mr Large advised that officers were aware of this risk and reported that a balanced approached had therefore been adopted. This recognised that the Council had a statutory duty to keep PRoWs accessible while understanding what level of usage they could sustain. He added that in most cases PRoWs had capacity for increased usage.

Enforcement on ProWs was also discussed with Mr Large explaining that although instances of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) had been a challenge the opening up of pathways had helped reduce the level experienced. He added that where needed the Council and Police could issue Community Protection Notices in instances where a significant ASB occurred.

Members of the Committee noted that the Active Travel element of PRoWs work was a Public Health issue and therefore fell within the remit of the Levelling-Up Scrutiny Committee. It was therefore asked that the Chair raise the issue with the Chair of the Levelling-Up Scrutiny Committee for consideration as an item to be included in their work programme.

Future funding was raised with Mr Large advising that the current budget was managed with the support of Enveco. He reported that the existing budget for PRoWs was suitable for the work that was required and added that increased usage would assist in reducing costs by reducing the need for maintenance.

The Committee agreed:

1.      That the report be noted; and

2.      That the Chair of the Committee raise the issue of Public Rights of Way supporting Public Health with the Chair of the Levelling Up Scrutiny Committee.