Rights of Way Improvement Plan

cyclists on peak track riders on a bridleway canal-side path

What is the rights of way improvement plan?

The rights of way improvement plan is a unique opportunity for us to move forward and plan strategically for how we will improve the management, provision and promotion of a wider rights of way and access network.

The plan has been produced to meet the requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Section 60 of the Act introduced a new duty for us to prepare and publish a plan that considers local rights of way in relation to the following:

  • The extent to which local rights of way (including footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways, restricted byways, byways and trails) meet the present and likely future needs of the public.

  • Opportunities for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation, together with the use of the network by local people as a means to access workplaces, schools and other local facilities.

  • Accessibility to blind and partially sighted people and those with limited mobility or other impairments.

The Draft Plan

The draft plan was published in June 2007 and was followed by a three- month public consultation exercise, including presentations to Local Access Forums, Community and Parish Councils.

The Draft Plan incorporated the views from initial discussions with key groups and included a Statement of Action which set out how we intend to improve and maintain the network of public rights of way and trails in the borough to help people enjoy our countryside.

The purpose of this exercise was to make as many people as possible aware of the draft plan to help us to prioritise the proposals.

Final Plan

The finished plan was completed and published in December 2007 and includes details on how the improvement plan is linked to the Local Transport Plan.

Download the Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Download the Annual Report

Contacts

Public Rights of Way Officer
Tel: 0161 770 4364
email: terence.cavanagh@unitypartnership.com
or write to:

Unity Partnership
Henshaw House
Cheapside
Oldham
OL1 1NY