The action was taken following the landowner's failure to respond to legal notices served by the County Council's Rights of Way Team. Three footpaths and one bridleway have now been cleared at Sessingham Farm, including a footpath which forms part of the 'Wealdway', a popular long distance route.
It is a landowner's duty to clear a public right of way 14 days after the surface of the land has been disturbed. Making sure that landowners carry out their duties is one of the Rights of Way Team's main priorities and, since the appointment of a dedicated Enforcement Officer in June, the number of legal notices served by the Team has doubled.
In working to keep 3,500km of public rights of way across East Sussex open and easy to use, this new officer is helping the team to resolve some longstanding enforcement issues, as well as to respond more effectively to seasonal demands such as paths obstructed by crops.
Councillor Matthew Lock said, "Our rangers are working hard to make sure our wonderful East Sussex countryside is open for people to visit and enjoy. I hope that this will serve as an example to landowners that they must keep any right of way on their land open. This is not only for the benefit of people who wish to walk in the countryside but keeping these paths clear also helps to prevent accidental trespass and damage to crops."
Reference:
2480
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council