Historically important map updated using modern technology
An historically important document that records public rights of way in
Oxfordshire has been updated for only the fourth time since 1949.
For the first time the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way has been published using computerised geographical data.
It is the legal record of all public rights of way in the county – footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic, and comprises a large scale map and accompanying descriptive statement for each of the paths.
This entire network extends to some 2,600 miles of paths across every parish, town and city in the county.
It provides conclusive evidence that the public rights exist and is used as the basis for the council’s management of the network and to check the status and locations of public rights of way as part of land management or for property searches.
Produced by Oxfordshire County Council’s Countryside Service, the document itself is a large hard backed weighty tome but copies of the relevant sections are sent to district councils, major libraries and parish councils for the public to consult.
The information is also given to Ordnance Survey to include on their Explorer Series and other maps so that the information is easily available to the public.
Councillor Roger Belson, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable development, said: “This is a comprehensive and important document that has been painstakingly updated using modern technology.
“We all value these important rights that allow us to gain access to the countryside, or make local trips in our communities safely, away from traffic. This new record will serve the people of Oxfordshire well for the next few years.”