A town councillor has called for action on some Cockermouth footpaths which need "some TLC".

Cllr Howard Beanland submitted a discussion paper on the repair, maintenance and development of various paths before the latest town hall meeting.

"Some of the footpaths in Cockermouth are in a poor state of maintenance. From personal knowledge the following could do with some TLC," he said.

He gave the following examples:

  • The steps leading and footpath from Dale View to the old railway bridge
  • The path on the north side of Double Mills Bridge
  • The footway from Kirkgate to the footbridge over Bitter Beck, near St Helens Street
  • The footway from Slatefell Estate to the Kirkgate Centre car park.

"For much of the year many of these footpaths are muddy and/ or covered in puddles, which discourage use by the public," he said.

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"Encouraging people to undertake short journeys by walking is one of the ways we could reduce traffic congestion and pollution and make a small contribution to tackling the climate emergency."

Cllr Beanland suggested that a survey of the footpaths/ways in each ward be undertaken by the councillors for that ward or their proxies.

On the basis of the survey, the town council would draw up a voluntary group whose members would undertake remedial work to solve minor maintenance issues, he said.

"Where the work was of a more serious nature and could not be undertaken by volunteers, then external contractors would be asked for estimates/quotes," he said.

At the meeting, Cllr Isabel Burns stated that Cumberland Council were responsible for public rights of way. She expressed concern regarding volunteers using equipment, training and insurance.

Cllr David Malloy referred to an email from Countryside Access which stated that works must comply with CDM regulations and British Standards and the requirement for liability insurance etc if working on public rights of way. He added that Cumberland should survey their own footpaths.

Cllr Beanland said some of the paths were not public rights of way and that local councils were able to carry out works. He had been a member of the Fix The Fells for over 10 years and the issue of comebacks had never arisen.

It was agreed that a survey of the footpaths/ways be undertaken by the councillors for that ward or their proxies using a proforma designed by Cllr Beanland and that the findings be collated and sent to the Director of Highways.