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Ramblers secure protection for Westfield path

Published: 25 January 2012

Walking group the Ramblers is celebrating after securing the protection of a popular walking route in Westerfield.

Thanks to the group's efforts, a well-walked path running from Valley Road at Ipswich to Lower Road at Westerfield has been confirmed as a public footpath.

The walk-way recently came under fire from Network Rail, because it crosses the Ipswich-Woodbridge railway.

According to the rail company, this was in violation of an Act of Parliament dating back to 1949 which states that it is an offence for a public right of way to cross the line.

However, the Ramblers worked with Westerfield Parish Council to prove that the path had existed before the railways.

Local rambler Geoff Knight pointed out that the central nature of the pathway proved it had been a crucial connection in a historic network of walks.

"It's a very important route both into and out from the north side of Ipswich," he said, adding: "It would have been rather pointless if it came to a dead-end at the railway."

Last month, the Ramblers enjoyed a similar victory when they secured protection for a 150-year-old footpath through Nottingham Midland station.