Local footpaths on Pontesford Hill protected for future generations

The local campaign to purchase the lease on Pontesford Hill has been successful, and Shropshire Council has obtained agreement from the new landowner, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, to legally record the well-used paths on the hill as public rights of way.

This secures a right for the public to walk over Pontesford Hill on paths that have been used by generations of local people, and visitors, and can now be enjoyed by many walkers in the future.

Pontesbury Parish Council claimed the paths as public rights of way in order to secure a right that was believed to exist when the hill was purchased privately in 2010.

The landowner disputed the claim, and this led to a public inquiry being held into the matter on 11-13 November 2014, then adjourned to 28 April 2015. The Planning Inspectorate has cancelled the inquiry next week in view of the developments.

For more information contact Shropshire Council’s outdoor partnerships team on 01743 255062.