Ramblers call for evidence of public use of Warminster track

Britain’s biggest walking charity is calling for local people to submit evidence of their use of a historic track in Warminster as part of an appeal to have it recognised as a public right of way.

Warminster resident Nigel Linge submitted an application to Wiltshire Council to have the track, which runs between Folly Lane and Cannimore Road, recorded as a public right of way. The application was recently rejected and Nigel is appealing the decision.

The Ramblers, which campaigns to protect public rights of way, is now hoping to gather factual evidence about public use of the track to support the appeal.

“In 1953 when they came up with the finished map and statement, Warminster was much smaller, and the area was not developed,” said Nigel. “Since 1953, in the last 73 years, the whole of the area on the north side of that track is full of houses, there’s probably 200 houses there now.

“The track links from those houses up to Cannimore Road which is a private road, but a public bridleway. It’s a very well used right of way. What’s particularly special about it is it passes under the bypass, so you get up to Longleat woods and into the rights of way network once you’re onto Cannimore Road, so that’s why it’s important.”

Nigel and the Ramblers are asking local people who use the track for walking, running, horse riding, cycling, driving or any other regular or occasional use to get in touch.

They would like to know how long people have used the track, how often they use it and how they use it. They are also asking whether people have seen others using the track, whether they have ever been stopped or told it was private, whether they have seen signs saying it was private or access was not permitted, whether they asked permission to use it or whether they believed the track was available for public use.

To submit evidence, visit https://wiltskickstart.wordpress.com/historic-track-between-folly-lane-and-cannimore-road/, scan the QR code or contact Wilts Ramblers footpath officer Dave Yearsley at Dave.Yearsley@btinternet.com or 0787 2104672.