Number of Eastbourne paths at risk of being lost forever

Many paths that existed before 1949 but are not recorded on the official rights of way map could be at risk in five years’ time – which is why the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign and Beachy Head Ramblers group are appealing for people to fill out evidence forms showing they use the walkways.

The two groups are trying to record as many unregistered paths as possible because if they are not on the official rights of way map they will lose their public rights in the future.

County coordinator for the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign Chris Smith said, “We do not know what will happen with unrecorded paths that are actually being used because the final regulations have not been announced, but with less than five years to go we cannot take any chances.

“Members of Beachy Head Ramblers have started to identify the paths that are in use but not on the map of rights of way.”

Mr Smith said the process is ongoing but is urging the public to get involved to save local walkways.

Mr Smith said, “Some of the paths may have come into existence after 1949 so we are concentrating in areas built up before then, starting with the Old Town and around.

“You can see a full list of paths Beachy Head Ramblers are asking for evidence for at the moment at https://beachyheadramblers.com/

“More will be added as resources permit. When the evidence forms have been collected applications will be made to East Sussex Council to add these routes to the rights of way map.”

The Beachy Head Ramblers group has posted on their website about some of the paths they are trying to save including the churchyard path at St Mary the Virgin in Old Town and Gore Park Avenue in Motcombe.

To help save unrecorded paths get in touch with the Beachy Head Ramblers group through their website.