The Struggle for Footpath 19 (Tottington, Bury)
It was first brought to our attention by a local resident that Bury Council had “temporarily” closed the path in 2020 because of a collapsed culvert making the path allegedly unsafe to walk. But instead of repairing it, as is their duty, they simply kept extending the closure.
After lengthy discussions, with Bury Ramblers reminding them of their duty, they responded, listing the numerous reasons why they couldn’t comply. Bury Ramblers therefore initiated legal action, first writing to the Chief Executive, and then serving notice under Section 56 Highways Act. They did respond with a vague Action Plan, but apart from a site inspection purporting to confirm the difficulties with any of the proposed solutions, there was no further progress. Therefore, a second S.56 notice was served, and after they failed to respond, The Ramblers initiated legal action at Crown Court level.
And so, shortly before the scheduled hearing, the Council did, after all, manage to restore the footpath – after it had been closed for over four years. But for the RA’s willingness to take legal action, this important link would still be “temporarily” closed.
We are glad that it is now accessible and open for walkers to use.
Before and After Photos
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Bury Ramblers 50th Anniversary Lunch
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bury Ramblers, walk leaders and committee members gathered for a festive lunch at Owen’s Restaurant in Ramsbottom. The event was held to celebrate the enduring dedication and contributions of both past and present members, whose commitment has enriched the club over many years.
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Damaged Footpath Finally Re-opened (see 'The Struggle for Footpath 19' for update)
A footpath at Bottoms Hall Cottages, Tottington has finally been re-opened after being closed for over 4 years. Public footpath TOT19 was closed by Bury Council in August 2020 due to the collapse of the culvert next to the footpath. On inspection, by Bury Council, the cause of the collapse was ascertained to be due to the failure of the adjacent private culvert wall and subsequent erosion.
After 4 years of fruitless correspondence with Bury Council by Bury Ramblers Footpath Officer, Edgar Ernstbrunner, to re-instate the footpath, the footpath was finally repaired and re-opened after Bury Council were threatened with Court action.
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Reg Norris
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Reg Norris, who passed away on Sunday 15th December 2024. All our Sympathy goes to Reg's, family and friends.
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Path Improvement Success
A joint project between Bury Ramblers, Bury Council and East Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Association has made life easier for walkers negotiating a steep and slippery section of path through Redisher Woods, near Ramsbottom. By pooling funding and resources, they were able to purchase and install new steps ahead of the annual Two Crosses challenge walking event, which takes along the steep path as part of a route that visits the Roman Cross at Affetside and the Pilgrim's Cross on Holcombe Moor.
Click for more info: Redisher Woods Footpath Improvement 19RAM
