Meeting documents

Copies of Six emails distributed at the Regulatory (Access) Committee on Tuesday 5th January 2010

1)

Dear Graeme,

I am writing to register my approval of the proposed diversion of public footpath BA25/21.

I am a resident of Wellow and live next door to Sarah Moore whose property the footpath runs through. I can confirm the following:

1. I never use the part of the footpath that is being diverted.

2. I have no objection to the proposed diversion.

3. The footpath actually runs very close to the back of my property and we have on occasion had people straying into our garden as they had lost the path. I have 2 small children who play in the garden all Summer and would prefer that the footpath take the proposed diversion in order to safeguard my family.

4. When people do stray into our property they are very apologetic and it is clear that they are as uncomfortable about the situation as we are. I think the proposed diversion would benefit everybody.

If you'd like to discuss this further with me please feel free to contact me.

2)

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to support the proposal to divert footpath BA25/21.

My family and I live in Wellow, and have used the unofficial footpath / proposed diversion on many occassions. We have in fact never used the official footpath (and never intend to), as we would feel very uncomfortable walking through a private garden.

The unofficial footpath is also shorter and avoids a very muddy area.

Yours sincerely,

3)

To Graeme Stark

Proposed change of footpath at Brook Lodge.

I totally support the proposed change of footpath at Brook Lodge. I have known the property for over 30 years and it has always seemed completely inappropriate that walkers should be directed through a private garden and passed the front door that is also in the garden. Who ever owned Brook Lodge would feel extremely vulnerable with the footpath as it is at present. The alternative route seems preferable to the existing one.

I very much hope you will support the change proposed for this footpath.

4)

Dear Sir

As longstanding residents of Wellow we write in support of the landowner and her proposal for the above application.

1. The landowner has no wish to make radical changes to the route of the footpath but is merely attempting to formalise what has been in place for at least 26 years with the present unofficial diversion along the proposed route being used by most villagers and those who know the village well.

2. Most walkers feel VERY uncomfortable walking through a private garden and passing close to the windows and front door of Brook Lodge. They feel they are intruding and would welcome an alternative. The present route has compromised the safety and privacy of the current landowner and her family especially since the publication of inaccurate information in a book called "Pub Walks in the Mendips". This has led to dogs and children being allowed to wander loose in the landowner's garden.

3. The proposed route would shorten the distance to be walked on the road by about 25%. This is an important safety consideration for walkers accessing the popular Sus-trans path to Midford adjacent to the Wellow Trekking Centre.

4. We cannot recall cattle being grazed in this field for at least the duration of our time in the village (28 years). Currently racehorses are grazed in the field and these can be intimidating to walkers who are unfamiliar with equine behaviour and their dogs. They would undoubtedly feel safer walking the edge of the field rather than across the middle.

We trust our comments can be taken into consideration when this application is reviewed.

5)

Graeme Stark

Footpaths Officer

Bath and North East Somerset Council

Proposed diversion of path BA25

I wish to register my support for the diversion of path BA25.

Its present route through Mrs Moore's garden is intrusive and awkward. As a keen user of footpaths myself in Wellow, I would be loth to use the official route because of its proximity to Mrs Moore's house, and I believe it is likely that many other local people would feel the same way.

The diverted route is more direct and the junction with the road more satisfactory.

I was a member of the Regulatory Access Committee when this diversion was first proposed, and I supported it then. I would urge the committee to proceed with the diversion.

6)

Dear Mr Stark,

We are writing to express our strong support for the application made by Mrs Sarah Moore to divert footpath BA25/21. We fully agree with all the reasons given by Mrs Moore and feel that the path would be markedly improved by the proposed diversion.

Yours sincerely.