Council takes action to improve monitoring of public rights of way

  Published on 02 November 2026

Welshpool Town Council is encouraging residents to report problems affecting public rights of way as it introduces a new approach to monitoring the condition and accessibility of the town's footpath network.

At its meeting in October 2026, the Council agreed to establish a local register of public rights of way issues, enabling it to record concerns, monitor reports submitted to Powys County Council and follow up on matters that remain unresolved.

There are 148 recorded public rights of way route sections within the Welshpool community, providing important connections for residents and visitors, supporting walking, recreation, health and wellbeing, and access to the surrounding countryside.

The Council's decision followed concerns about the condition of a public footpath at the Croft, where significant overgrowth had affected access. Despite the matter being reported to Powys County Council, the route was eventually cleared by members of the public.

Under the new arrangements, Welshpool Town Council will maintain a central register of reported problems, including overgrown vegetation, obstructions, damaged infrastructure, missing signage and other issues affecting the safe and convenient use of public rights of way.

The Council has also introduced a system to track correspondence with Powys County Council, record responses and monitor outstanding issues. This will help establish a clearer picture of the condition of the local network and provide evidence to support further action where necessary.

Residents are encouraged to help by reporting any problems they encounter, providing as much information as possible, including the location of the path, the nature of the problem and photographs where available.

While Powys County Council remains the highway authority responsible for the maintenance of public rights of way, Welshpool Town Council has agreed to take a more proactive role in monitoring local concerns and pursuing outstanding matters.

Where appropriate, the Council may also consider using its statutory powers under Section 130(6) of the Highways Act 1980 to make formal representations concerning unlawful obstructions.

How to report a problem

Residents who encounter problems with a public right of way within Welshpool are encouraged to contact Welshpool Town Council at office@welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk 

When reporting an issue, residents should include:

• The location of the footpath or public right of way, including any known path reference.
• A description of the problem and how it affects access.
• Photographs, where possible.
• The date the problem was observed.
• Details of any previous report made to Powys County Council, including reference numbers.

Reports received will help the Town Council build a comprehensive picture of issues affecting the network and monitor the action taken by the responsible authority.

The Council emphasises that its new register is intended to complement, rather than replace, Powys County Council's existing reporting and maintenance responsibilities.