10 replies to this topic

[MrsM]

Whilst out for a nice walk yesterday we noticed a sign stating that the permissive footpath along Clarence drive is being closed to non-residents on the 2nd January 2011.

It was a little unclear as whether this was a permanent closure, although it seemed to imply that it was. Does anyone know?

If it is a permanent closure I think it is a real shame for walkers and joggers alike!

[Bikerking]

Well I don't see how a sign going to stop anyone I've been using that route for over 40 years and don't intend stopping now!

[awalker]

It is definately closed just for the one day and not permanently. I understand that the date may even be changed to reduce the impact to walkers. This is something that frequently happens with permissive footpaths, where they are owned by someone (in this case the house owners) rather than being a right of way.

[appropriatebridge]

Bikerking, on 28 December 2010 - 05:01 PM, said:

Well I don't see how a sign going to stop anyone I've been using that route for over 40 years and don't intend stopping now!

I have also been regularly using this route for over 30 years for a pleasant circuilar route Burley to Menston via Hag Fram Road, Bleach Mill Lane and returning via Clarence Drive.

I suspect if it is a closure "on" 2 January as opposed to "from", it is probably a safeguard to preserve the private rights of what in reality is a permissive footpath and not a public right of way. My OS map does not show a public right of way from the end of Clarence Drive.

It does show however that landowners are always anxious to preserve their rights and in this case a long stop option (if they wished) to deny access at a future date. I worry that a similar thing might happen to the rights of way north of the river if the right of way across The Stones is not preserved as without The Stones, the path north of the river has little purpose.

[Grumpy]

The gate at the Menston end was closed today. There was a printed notice saying the road would be closed for one day only, 5th.

So I guess they are just making the occasional closure to protect their rights.

[dheysmith]

Bikerking, on 28 December 2010 - 05:01 PM, said:

Well I don't see how a sign going to stop anyone I've been using that route for over 40 years and don't intend stopping now!

[dheysmith]

MrsM, on 28 December 2010 - 01:23 PM, said:

Whilst out for a nice walk yesterday we noticed a sign stating that the permissive footpath along Clarence drive is being closed to non-residents on the 2nd January 2011.

It was a little unclear as whether this was a permanent closure, although it seemed to imply that it was. Does anyone know?

If it is a permanent closure I think it is a real shame for walkers and joggers alike!

Don't worry. Clarence Drive tradition, shut gate one day a year. You've just missed it in the past!

[dheysmith]

Grumpy, on 05 January 2011 - 03:37 PM, said:

The gate at the Menston end was closed today. There was a printed notice saying the road would be closed for one day only, 5th.

So I guess they are just making the occasional closure to protect their rights.

[dheysmith]

Clarence Drive yearly tradition, don't worry Menston folk, being going on for at least 50 years. You just probably missed it last year and the year before and the year befor..................

[Kingfisher]

appropriatebridge, on 29 December 2010 - 04:14 PM, said:

It does show however that landowners are always anxious to preserve their rights and in this case a long stop option (if they wished) to deny access at a future date. I worry that a similar thing might happen to the rights of way north of the river if the right of way across The Stones is not preserved as without The Stones, the path north of the river has little purpose.

App'bridge, you should know better! The paths on the north side of the river are definitive not permissive, with the agreement and blessings of the landowners. In winter months these paths are well used in spite of the "seasonal" lack (preserved or otherwise) of a crossing from the south side. These paths will remain, in perpetuity, whatever the state of the crossing.

[minniemouse31]

Residents like to close it one day a year. Don't worry walkers.