WHICH WAY FOR THE BRIGG PUBLIC FOOTPATH?

 

Brigg Blog is to seek clarification about a well-used public footpath in the town.
Now the new Ancholme Valley Way path and cycle track has been created close to the Old River Ancholme, has it replaced the old towpath as a right of way?
Or does the towpath continue to enjoy the status it has had for decades?
The wooden finger-post sign – pictured immediately below  – can be read either way.

We took these pictures today, close to the Ancholme Way flyover bridge.
From our observations, there’s now much more “footfall” along the new Ancholme Valley Way (on the right in the picture above) than there is along the old towpath (left).
However, some people still like to stick to the traditional route closest to the water’s edge.
Does it matter? We think it does.
One reason relates to anglers’ long fishing poles and stands you sometimes see laid across the old towpath so dog-walkers and those out for a stroll find there’s an obstacle in their way.
Obstructing a public footpath is something anglers should not do.
But if the towpath is no longer a public footpath, perhaps there is less cause to take errant fishermen to task.
Or perhaps BOTH routes are now public footpaths.
We’ll ask North Lincolnshire Council – responsible for our area’s public rights of way and footpaths – to clarify the situation for everyone’s benefit, and hope to give its reply in a later post.
It should be stressed that many anglers take care with their poles and do their best not to hinder the progress of folk using the towpath.
A bit of give and take is all that’s required from walkers and those enjoying a pleasurable few hours fishing in tranquil surroundings.