BLUE ANCHOR FOOTPATH

Thank you for completing the Evidence Form – please note that partners can complete and sign their own forms – also that you must have used the footpath without challenge for at least 20 years before February 2017.

Grid references for the public footpath between:

top of steps at west end of seafront at grid ref: ST 02156 43479
and the join with coastal path at grid ref: ST 01526 43596

BEFORE completing your Evidence Form, it is important to distinguish between the Public Footpath and the more recent Steam Coast and Coastal Paths.

Unfortunately it appears that County has drawn a line on the map (see below) that is significantly below high tide level.  This moves (on paper) the public footpath that we have used for years from across the front of the chalets and down onto the beach where few would care to tread.

Footpaths are historic - before February 2017 what person would voluntarily walk out to sea when there was a direct and level path on land?  Of course we didn't; we kept to the well-worn public footpath that we have known for many years.

The County sea path is irrational not only on paper, but is impractical and has never been used, so how can it have become the definitive path other than as a paper exercise?

In filling out your form, please focus on your use of the Public Footpath leading from the top of the steps at the west end of Blue Anchor promenade past the seaward side of the chalets on the seaward (northern) side of the site.  Note the gap in the fencing on the main road and the signpost at the top of the steps which has hitherto indicated unrestricted access to this footpath.

Please remember to include your name and address and sign the Evidence Form.

Thank you

(this note by Jim Butterworth on behalf of the Public Footpath group)