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Public Rights of Way
The highway authority is responsible for the maintenance of public rights of way. Parish councils have no specific duties for rights of way; however, they are given certain powers which can help the public to enjoy the public path network. This does not remove any responsibility from the Highways authority.
Parish councils can:
- Maintain any footpath or bridleway within its area which is maintainable at public expense.
- Erect lighting on any footpath or bridleway. Although the number of public paths likely to require lighting is small, lighting can be important on paths leading to a village or bus stop for example.
- Erect notices, with the consent of the landowner, on or near a footpath or bridleway, warning of local dangers.
- Create new footpaths and bridleways by agreement with the landowner over land in their own and adjoining parishes if satisfied that the creation would be beneficial to all or, any part, of the parish or community.
- Signpost and waymark public paths on behalf of, and with the consent of, the highway authority. A highway authority can give permission for other persons such as parish councils to erect and maintain signposts on its behalf.
- Provide seats and shelters at the side of public paths..