Tougher powers could be used to re-open public footpaths

But stronger powers could be used by Blackpool Council in future to ensure all the footpaths can be used.

An annual report setting out action taken to protect public rights of way adds volunteers could be encouraged to help maintain paths as future funding begins to dwindle.

The report, being presented to the Climate Change and Environment Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday July 5, says the paths identified as ‘unpassable’ are

Footpath 5 – Eastbank Avenue to Whalley Lane. This path is gated, and while it has been opened following inspections “it is generally closed again between inspection visits” by residents living nearby.

Footpath 7 – Whalley Lane to Chapel Road. This path is restricted by significant growth, despite cutback works, and may require a build-out of the path into the watercourse and further foliage clearance to Chapel Road to adequately maintain the route.

Footpath 49 – Midgeland Road to New Hall Avenue. The path was cleared for use but it crosses the site of a nursery, and is effectively closed off at Midgeland Road when the nursery finishes for the day and closes its gate.

The report says ways to enforce the opening of those paths still inaccessible are being reviewed with the council “aiming for a more robust route to enforcement being in place in the near future.”

It also warns of concerns having been raised of anti-social behaviour near Footpath 11 which runs from Preston New Road, round the back of a housing estate and alongside the caravan park on Marton Mere.

The path re-opened in April 2022 after campaigner Ken Cridland highlighted the neglected state of many of the public footpaths in Blackpool, which the council has a statutory duty to maintain.

All routes are due to be surveyed again this summer, with 26 clearances completed last year which are now on an annual routine maintenance schedule carried out in partnership between the council’s highways department and its waste management company Enveco.

Enveco has also agreed to supply community groups where possible with tools for minor clearances and to collect any waste from the works.

It is also hoped to promote the footpaths more widely as leisure routes.