ePetition details

Reopen Public Footpath O89, Wainwright’s Yard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We the undersigned petition the Council to call for the immediate reopening of Public Footpath O89 through Wainwright’s Yard in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. This is a well-used and historic public right of way that provides a valuable pedestrian route into the town centre. Its closure has caused unnecessary inconvenience and disruption to the public. We do not believe the temporary emergency closure was justified, especially given that alternative and less drastic safety measures could have been implemented. The presence of vehicles on the path does not warrant its complete closure when a clear safety barrier could have been installed to separate pedestrians from traffic. We urge Leicestershire County Council, as the responsible Highway Authority, to fulfil its legal duty to ensure this right of way is reopened without further delay. The owners must be required to remove all obstructions and reinstate safe public access in line with statutory obligations.

Briefing Sheet: Petition to Reopen Public Footpath O89, Wainwright’s Yard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch
What is the issue?
Public Footpath O89, which runs through Wainwright’s Yard in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, has been temporarily closed under emergency regulations. This path is a well-used pedestrian route into the town centre and has been a historic public right of way for many years.
Why does it matter?
• The path is an important link for people accessing the town centre on foot, particularly from the south-west side of town.
• Its closure has caused unnecessary inconvenience, especially for those with limited mobility, and forces pedestrians to use longer or less safe routes.
• The reason cited for closure—concerns about vehicular movement in the yard—could have been managed by installing a simple safety barrier to separate pedestrians from vehicles.
• The public right of way is a legal entitlement, not a discretionary convenience.
What are we asking for?
We are calling on Leicestershire County Council, as the Highway Authority, to:
• Reopen Public Footpath O89 immediately;
• Require the landowner to remove any obstructions or parked vehicles from the route;
• Install or mandate appropriate safety measures, such as a barrier, to ensure pedestrian safety without removing access;
• Uphold their legal duty to protect and maintain the public rights of way network.
Legal background
Under the Highways Act 1980, public rights of way must be kept open and unobstructed. Temporary closures are only permitted in specific circumstances, and alternative solutions must be considered before access is denied.
The ongoing closure of Footpath O89 appears disproportionate and lacks sufficient justification, especially when less restrictive alternatives exist.
Who supports this?
This petition is supported by local residents, regular users of the footpath, and those concerned with public access, walkability, and the preservation of rights of way including the Ashby Footpaths Group.

Started by: Jacqui Beard (Ashby Footpaths Group)

This ePetition runs from 08/07/2025 to 19/08/2025.

108 people have signed this ePetition.

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