Ramblers triumph in 10-year Norfolk footpath battle

Burnham Deepdale ramblers who have won a 10-year footpath fight.

A determined group of ramblers has triumphed in a 10-year battle to reopen a public right of way across private farmland in north Norfolk.

The half-mile stretch of track through Sussex Farm, near Burnham Market, was closed off after it emerged it was not designated for public use on the definitive maps, drawn up in the 1950s for Norfolk County Council.

The landowners put up signs saying there was no right of way - spurring the King's Lynn branch of the Ramblers' Association into action to save one of its most popular circular walks.

The group unearthed old maps and highways records which showed a carriageway along the disputed route as early as 1797 - and found it included on the supporting statement to the definitive maps.

But after county council officers ruled there was “insufficient evidence” to amend the records, the battle was taken to an independent planning inspector, whose report concludes the route should be re-opened as a restricted byway - a public right of way which prevents motorised vehicles.

After completing the long trudge to victory, Allan Jones, a member of the ramblers' rights of way committee, said: “This is very much a victory celebration.

“The owner was very adamant having found the path was incorrectly marked on the map that he had found a good reason to close it - and was quite determined it would stay that way.

“The closure was a perfectly legal action since a right of way only exists if it is correctly shown on the definitive map.”

Barring a high court appeal, the ramblers hope the path will be formally reopened in January so they can once again exercise their rights to roam throughout this picturesque corner of Norfolk.

“One of the cornerstones of the ramblers' existence is to keep paths like this open,” said Mr Jones. “It forms part of our charitable status. We enjoy walking, we look after the footpaths and we look after the countryside. We could not accept losing a piece of path like that.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: “Before the hearing, the county council found archived highways records that provided further evidence supporting the ramblers' case, and this was included in the documentation sent to the inspector. The county council has a very good working relationship with the ramblers and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure access to Norfolk's superb countryside.”

Sussex Farm, which also hosts the annual Burnham Market Horse Trials, is owned by Jeremy Thompson. The EDP was unable to contact Mr Thompson.