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.