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More cash and more workers needed on Manx footpaths

Picture credit: Manx Radio

Tynwald to debate working group's report into public rights of way

More workers and more money are needed to restore the Island's footpaths to good order, according to a recent report.

Tynwald is set to look at evidence from the Working Group on Footpaths, Bridleways and Green Lanes today which says around £1.53m is required each year to tackle the issue.

The report also reveals that there are 210 outstanding complaints regarding conditions on the public rights of way network.

It also questions whether Local Authorities should be involved more in footpath maintenance, or whether prisoners could do some of the work. Both suggestions, the report says, have pros and cons.

Paul Castle of the Manx Footpaths Conservation Group says some paths are in a poor state:

The Department of Infrastructure has responsibility for maintaining the 316km of public rights of way with a current maintenance budget of around £374,000.

When Tynwald resumes this morning (15 July) members will be on item seven of the agenda. The footpaths report is item nine.

You can find a link to the report here.

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