Public Rights of Way

Public rights of way are an important part of Welshpool's local environment, providing opportunities for walking, recreation and access to the surrounding countryside. They help connect our communities, support health and wellbeing, and allow residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

There are 148 recorded public rights of way route sections within the Welshpool community, including footpaths and other publicly accessible routes.

Welshpool Town Council is committed to helping ensure these routes remain accessible, safe and available for everyone to enjoy.

Our Public Rights of Way Register

In October 2026, Welshpool Town Council agreed to establish a new approach to monitoring public rights of way following concerns about the condition and accessibility of some local routes.

The Council has introduced a Public Rights of Way Register to record and monitor problems reported by residents and to track the action taken by Powys County Council, which is the responsible highway authority.

Through this register, we aim to:

• Record problems affecting public rights of way within Welshpool.
• Report concerns to Powys County Council for investigation and appropriate action.
• Monitor responses and maintain a record of outstanding issues.
• Follow up reports where problems remain unresolved.
• Identify recurring problems and areas requiring particular attention.
• Escalate matters where appropriate, including through statutory procedures relating to unlawful obstructions.

The register will help the Town Council develop a clearer picture of the condition of the local rights of way network and support its work in representing the interests of residents.

Report a Problem with a Public Right of Way

Have you encountered an overgrown, obstructed or damaged public footpath in Welshpool? We want to hear from you.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to report issues such as:

• Overgrown vegetation preventing or restricting access.
• Blocked or obstructed footpaths.
• Broken or damaged stiles, gates or other infrastructure.
• Missing, damaged or unclear rights of way signs.
• Damaged or unsafe surfaces.
• Other problems affecting the accessibility or use of a public right of way.

How to Report an Issue

Please email office@welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk with the following information:

1. Location: Where is the affected footpath or right of way? Please include the path reference, nearby landmarks or a map location if known.
2. Description: Explain the problem and how it affects use of the route.
3. Photographs: Include photographs where possible to help us understand the issue.
4. Date: Tell us when you noticed the problem.
5. Previous reports: If you have already contacted Powys County Council, please provide the date and any reference number received.

You can also contact Welshpool Town Council by telephone on 01938 553142.

When we receive a report, we will record the information in our register and, where appropriate, refer the matter to Powys County Council. We will monitor the response and follow up outstanding issues as necessary.

Please note: Reporting an issue to Welshpool Town Council does not replace reporting it directly to Powys County Council. Where a problem presents an immediate danger, please contact the appropriate responsible authority without delay.

Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Public Rights of Way?

Powys County Council is the highway authority responsible for the public rights of way network within Welshpool, including its statutory responsibilities for maintaining publicly maintainable highways.

Under Section 43 of the Highways Act 1980, town and community councils have powers to undertake certain maintenance activities on public rights of way. However, the exercise of these powers does not remove the highway authority's underlying statutory responsibilities.

In considering its approach, Welshpool Town Council recognised the financial and staffing implications of taking on additional maintenance responsibilities.

The Council therefore agreed to focus its immediate efforts on recording, monitoring, reporting and escalating issues, rather than undertaking direct maintenance without appropriate resources.

Where necessary and legally appropriate, the Council may also use its powers under Section 130(6) of the Highways Act 1980 to make formal representations concerning unlawful obstructions.