Opening up Saddleworth’s blocked and obstructed footpaths
During the Coronavirus lockdown, thousands of Saddleworth residents have been walking regularly from home for an hour for exercise. Unfortunately, walkers have found many local footpaths blocked, obstructed or are in a poor condition. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Mick Scholes said: “As more council resources become available after the hard work done fighting the effects of Coronavirus, we are asking Oldham Council to prioritise complaints of paths and stiles being blocked or obstructed by landowners as this is restricting residents’ access to the countryside.” Among the problems are: an unsafe bridge across Chew Brook, with a hole large enough for walkers to fall through and break a leg;notices erected by some landowners saying “No public right of way” when there is a right of way, and many Public Footpath signposts have disappeared;fallen trees blocking part…