Commissioners denied request to take over footpath maintenance

Tue, 22 Aug 2017

One of the Island's local authorities says it was refused permission to take over responsibility for public rights of way in the area.

Garff Commissioners revealed they held talks with the Department of Infrastructure last year over transferring the service to the board, but the DoI wished to retain the service.

The Commissioners admitted they were surprised by recent comments from a Government Minister suggesting local authorities be given more responsibility for maintain footpaths so soon after they were declined the chance to do so.

Residents in Garff complained to the local authority about overgrown footpaths last year.

The Commissioners hope the DoI will now hold further talks over the future of public rights of way maintenance.