Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has helped secure the re-opening of the permissive pathway at Bilbrook.
Gavin contacted Severn Trent Water, which owns the land on Old Hattons Farm, after the Friends of Bilbrook raised concerns with him over the closure of the footpath.
The group sought to use the pathway to monitor the health of the River Penk as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s waterside scheme, which is being run in partnership with the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust and Severn Trent Water.
The permissive pathway was originally made available to the public under the Government’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme, later superseded by the Environmental Scheme in 2005.
Under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, payments were made to farmers and other land managers to ‘enhance and conserve English landscapes, their wildlife and history and to help people to enjoy them’. This included, in a number of cases, allowing the public temporary access to private land.
However, permissive access to the Bilbrook pathway closed when the existing agreement expired in 2013.
The manager of Old Hattons Farm has now confirmed that the pathway will be re-opened on a rolling basis, enabling public use of the footpath.
Gavin said: “I am delighted that Severn Trent Water has chosen to re-open this footpath, which has given so much pleasure to many local people over the past few years. It is always wonderful to see a company giving back to the local community in this way.
“Particular thanks should also go the Friends of Bilbrook, who continue to campaign tirelessly to preserve our local countryside. It is the work carried out by them and others like them that will ensure our fields, woods and rivers remain safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.”
Friends of Bilbrook chairman Keri Lloyd added: “I'm really pleased that Severn Trent has kept the paths open. This will mean that the residents of Bilbrook can continue to use a lovely circular walk which takes in some pretty countryside, the River Penk and Shropshire Union Canal. At a time when obesity levels are rising and a growing disconnect with nature exists, footpaths are very important in encouraging people to take part in an active lifestyle and have access to the countryside.
“We are very grateful to have the support of our pro-active MP, Gavin Williamson, and one of our local landowners Severn Trent, to help the Friends of Bilbrook in our aim to improve the open spaces in and around the Village of Bilbrook.”