Public rights of way plan could boost tourism

The members of the West Cornwall Footpath Preservation Society host walks twice a week

A plan to improve access to public rights of way in Cornwall would entice more tourists to come and explore the countryside, a walking group has said.

Cornwall Council is consulting on how to enhance the safety and accessibility of the more than 2,796 miles (4,500km) of footpaths, by-ways, and bridleways it oversees.

The walking group warned hundreds of signs showing rights of way were currently missing and that overgrown or blocked paths deterred people.

The council said the consultation would help it decide where best to target its resources to encourage more people to walk and potentially boost health and well-being.

Members of the West Cornwall Footpath Preservation Society take part in twice-weekly walks in the local countryside and help to clear paths and obstacles to open up routes.

Jill Newby-James, from the group, said: "There are some passages that just aren't accessible to the majority of people."

She said a lack of signage was also a big issue - with people unaware of where they could and could not go.

"Not everybody has an map. It's reassurance to say 'I'm on the right path' because of the signpost or a way marker," she explained.

Loic Rich said the council would look at potential sources of funding for improvements to public rights of way

Richard Belton, the group's secretary, welcomed the council's consultation and said improving access and maintenance of public rights of way would encourage more people to use them.

"One of the main detractors that makes it difficult for people to go out is to guarantee that they're not going to get shredded with brambles.

"If they know with confidence that they can get down a path, people will get out and about far more.

"I think it will be tremendous for the tourist industry and to the general well-being of people down here."

Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member for the environment and climate change on Cornwall Council, admitted money for improvements was tight, but they would explore potential funding streams.

"When it comes to things like health and well-being there are so many benefits from getting out - whether you're maybe switching from a car to walking to work through a footpath.

"We can be creative. Perhaps we can pull in some funding from active travel and draw more funding in from other sources because we can evidence it's not just about putting in a sign," he added.

The council said the consultation was due to finish on 28 September.