FOOTPATHS in Okehampton are to become the responsibility of the town council, after a new partnership agreement was decided with the county last week.
There are 3.4 miles of footpath and 1.1 miles of bridleways in the town in total — the town council will be paid an annual grant by the county to help it maintain and improve the network, publicise it and encourage events to increase its use.
Cllr Jill Lower, vice-chairman of the council's parks committee, said the partnership was still in its very early stages, but felt it was good the council was seen to be taking on such a scheme.
Following the signing of the new agreement, the town council has agreed to work towards restoring all the rights of way network, carry out an annual condition survey to be submitted to the county council and draw up a paths improvement programme.
It also has to liaise with landlords where necessary if works have to be carried out, ensure rights of way are signed and ensure adequate public liability cover.
In addition to the grant, the county council will provide signposts and waymarkers, advice and training where necessary, plus the support of the parish paths liaison officer.
The next stage of the partnership scheme is to appoint a co-ordinator willing to assist in the annual survey.
However, any survey will be deferred until the current foot and mouth crisis is over and public rights of way are re-opened.
Cllr Christine Marsh, mayor of Okehampton, said: 'This is important for the town. It's just another way Okehampton is taking back ownership of its amenities, instead of waiting for the county or borough to do these things.'
Town clerk John Winchester said the parks committee would be devoting a fair amount of time to footpaths following the agreement — he looked on it as a 'positive move in the right direction for Okehampton'.