Parish councils unite behind calls to save West Row to Worlington Ferry Drove footpath
Two parish councils have joined efforts to preserve a footpath which provides a key link between the West Suffolk villages of West Row and Worlington.
The authorities want to have the one-mile stretch, known locally as Ferry Drove, recorded and safeguarded as a public right of way.
It is thought the route has been used for centuries but does not yet appear on the government’s definitive map of sites to preserve.
Under their authority, any routes not marked down as historically significant by 2026 will have any right of way status lost.
Cllr Michael Peachey, chairman of West Row Parish Council, wants to ensure land along the route is not encroached upon.
He said: “In order to stand the best chance of getting the route recorded, we need as many current and past users as possible to come forward, so that we can ask them to complete a form to support our application.”
Alongside Worlington Parish Council, the authority is calling on runners, horse riders, and walkers who use the route to give testimony.
The application to register the route as a public right of way will be submitted to Suffolk County Council who will decide on it in the first instance. Should they turn it down, the parish councils could appeal to central government.
Worlington Parish Council chairman Cllr Nick Foster said: “Hopefully we can safeguard it for the next generation.”
Contact West Row clerk Nicola Glading on 01842 337488 or email: westrowpc@gmail.com
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