A SCHEME where criminals have helped to re-open public footpaths has come to an end.
After 25 years the Kington Footpath Scheme which works with offenders on community payback has ended after installing 800 stiles and gates, a similar number of waymarks and fingerposts along with notice-boards and footbridges.
The scheme was invented and run by Peter Newman of the Open Spaces Society, with the help of Herefordshire Council and the Hereford Probation Service.
They have maintained countless footpaths, bridleways and byways in 16 parishes in north-west Herefordshire including parts of Offa’s Dyke National Trail and the Mortimer Trail.
The scheme had its final day last month when the workers built a notice-board at Bollingham, three miles south of Kington, to hold a map of the area’s public paths.
The board is at the entrance to a green lane which was recently added to the official map and reopened thanks to Peter’s efforts.
Mr Newham is unable to continue with the scheme due to moving out of the area.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here