Hodnet and Stoke on Tern Footpath Groups have joined forces to create the ‘Clip CLOP’ Appeal – launched in support of a long running campaign to restore a long used, but now blocked, route between Ollerton and Peplow.
Chair of HFG, Richard Underwood said “for some years now a campaign has been run by Stoke Upon Tern Parish Council (supported by Hodnet Parish Council) for legal recognition of a route, with a claimed Bridleway Status, running between Ollerton Lodge and Peplow Chapel. Although Shropshire Council turned down the first attempt at legal recognition, an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was made and, despite delays and difficulties caused by Covid/lockdowns, ultimately proved successful in late 2021.”
He went on the explain that “the inspectorate ordered Shropshire Council to make an order recognising the route by August 2022, which they did, but the landowners involved have now objected – and the case now has to be re-examined, again by the inspectorate, in a more formal process culminating in a public inquiry. Clip CLOP has been launched to help raise funds for professional representation and to also improve local awareness of the campaign.”
Richard explained that the key to establishing the case is the collection of written evidence of past use by the public. This is usually captured in a simple ‘user statement’, and the team involved now have a considerable number. However, he went on to say that “whilst we have a good case backed up by a large number of statements, we cannot afford to be complacent. So I’d urge anyone who has ever used the route, particularly by horse or bike, to visit www.hodnet.org.uk/clipclop and see if they can help by either completing their own statement &/or making a donation.”
LOCAL FOOTPATH GROUPS SEEK HELP WITH THEIR ‘Clip CLOP’ APPEAL
