50k boost for Bury’s public rights of way

Bury Council has given a £50,000 funding boost to Bury’s public rights of way to support their continued use and enjoyment.

More than 70 paths across the borough are benefitting from organised maintenance and improvement work to enhance accessibility to local countryside areas and green spaces.

Work has included erecting new way-markers, clearing obstructing vegetation, repairing stiles and gates, stoning up waterlogged pathways and improving drainage.

In addition, with an extra £5,000 contribution from The Ramblers and co-operation of the landowner, extensive improvements have been carried out at the area in Ainsworth that links Knowsley Road with the footbridge at Bentley Hall Reservoir.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “During coronavirus restrictions Bury saw a boom in people getting out walking and rediscovering local open spaces. We want people to keep up with this change in lifestyle and continue to enjoy Bury’s great outdoors.

“With the improvements we are making to public rights of way, coupled with wider improvements to our parks and play facilities, we are doing everything we can to support our communities to get outdoors and live a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Bury Council is responsible for around 190 miles (306km) of public rights of way and 650 individually numbered paths.

Public rights of way comprise footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic, and restricted byways.

To search for local public rights of way, visit www.bury.gov.uk/onlinemaps.

To tell Bury Council about issues with local public rights of way, visit www.bury.gov.uk/reportit-publicrightsofway