§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he proposes to assist local authorities to maintain public footpaths and bridleways. [4999]
§ Angela EagleWe attach great importance to the maintenance of footpaths and bridleways. We propose to look closely at the adequacy of existing measures to see whether further initiatives are needed.
Highway authorities already have a statutory duty to maintain most footpaths, bridleways and byways. The Countryside Commission is assisting them through the Parish Paths Partnership scheme, which gives grants and advice to parishes to encourage them to participate in the better management of footpaths and bridleways in their areas. The Commission also provides authorities with grants of up to 75 per cent. of the maintenance costs of footpaths of bridleways which form part of National Trails.