Campaign groups win battle of Bullfinch Lane
18/06/2007
National pressure-group for public paths, the Open Spaces Society has helped to secure Bullfinch Lane at Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex as a public footpath.
The society's activist Ted White, who also represented the Ramblers' Association and is a local resident, had applied to West Sussex County Council to add the footpath to its official map of public rights of way (the definitive map). There was a public inquiry on 30 May.
Although there were objections from adjoining landowners, the inquiry inspector, Mrs Helen Slade, ruled that the half-mile-long Bullfinch Lane was a footpath and should be added to the definitive map.
Says Ted: 'This is a great victory. My application was supported by a phalanx of local groups and 177 individuals. They had evidence that they had used the path without being challenged and without asking permission. However, we believed the route to be under threat because in August 2003 a gate was erected at the northern end, which made us fear that the landowners might challenge the public's use.
'The inspector upheld our claim and now the path will be added to the official map and recognised as a public highway, just like any road. It will be a criminal offence to block it or prevent the public from using it.
'This is a much-loved and valued route, providing a safe, off-road short cut, between the B2116 at West Town and the paths to the south. We are pleased that it has been secured for public use and enjoyment for ever,' Ted concludes.