More information about footpath problems

It is surprising how little information is available on the Internet about the specific problems with our footpaths - our rights of way. There is general information available and there is information about high profile issues, but almost nothing can be found about what is happening with the broken stile in the field where you walk regularly. Here is your chance to help.

Councils have a duty to maintain footpaths. Walkers have a desire to see footpaths maintained. It should be possible to work together to achieve this.

This website offers a prototype for reporting and monitoring footpath problems. I hope the information will help both councils and walkers in a new landscape of collaboration.

When you submit a problem the details are uploaded for checking. Each submission is checked manually and added to the database if appropriate. The degree of appropriateness is a subject for debate. You can help by joining this debate.

Once a problem has been entered on the database it will show on a Google map. You can see the maps from a link on the from. At present this prototype is focused on Berkshire. It will be easy to extend the range if it proves useful.

There is also an option to see all the problems shown in Google Earth. It requires that you have Google Earth installed and accept the choice to open the file in Google Earth. The advantage is that GE gives a much better display of the markers and also shows the County Boundaries if you have that option ticked.

To assist with updating information about each identified problem, each pin has a unique ID. This must be quoted when contacting me with specific information about a known problem.

What happens next is in the territory of development. If you wish to contribute to this development please contact me.

With warm regards,

Brian Jones
Ramblers Area Footpath Secretary (Berkshire)