9.16.1 Whilst several rural footpaths have been lost in post war years due to new developments, there are a considerable number of rights of way which link the built up areas with the adjoining countryside. They tend to be well used and are an important source of informal recreation. It is important that a definitive Rights of Way map for the whole of the Borough be kept up to date and that the existing rights of way in the Borough should be well maintained. Much can be achieved by improving, repairing and sign posting existing routes and publicising specific routes of various lengths. It is important, however, that signing and waymarking be judiciously controlled as over-signing can significantly detract from the enjoyment of users and be detrimental to the visual quality of the countryside. It is the statutory duty of Northumberland County Council to keep under review the definitive map of rights of way, make modifications as required, maintain and signpost the network and to assist and protect the public's right to use and enjoy the network. Circular 2/93 gives guidance on matters relating to Public Rights of Way.

9.16.2 Users of rights of way need to be aware of countryside practices and respect them. Similarly, farmers and landowners need to be aware of public rights of way that cross their land and the responsibilities relating to them. The Council has a programme of increasing public awareness through its Countryside Strategy and will continue to support the Countryside Agency's awareness objectives. In urban fringe areas agriculture faces specific problems different from those affecting more rural areas. These centre on a range of access related problems such as crop trampling, arson, damage to fence, hedges and walls, the worrying of livestock by dogs, theft and fly tipping. Such problems can combine to threaten the viability and stability of farms.

9.16.3 Some gaps exist in the system of definitive rights of way, several of which have been used unofficially for many years. A procedure exists under Section 26 of the 1980 Highways Act for designating new public rights of way. The Council has used this legislation to designate a new right of way between Richmond Way in the northwest corner of the Darras Hall Estate, Ponteland, and the existing public right of way running from the A696 at the Beeches west to Dissington Bridge, following the River Pont for much of its length. The short length of new footpath fulfils an important recreational function in providing access from the built up area to a very pleasant rural walk. The Secretary of State for the Environment has recently confirmed the designation.

9.16.4 Further routes may be considered at times during the Plan period. It is also possible that certain existing routes of little use for recreation could be closed. Sensible rationalisation of the network, if it leads to recreational benefit to the public and is compatible with farming interests, should be encouraged. Where the existing provision of public rights of way is patchy it can be supplemented by permissive routes and toll routes established in agreement with land owners. Further investigation of the provision of public rights of way may be appropriate as part of the Plan monitoring process. The Council supports the identification of a network of multi-user recreational routes for walkers, the disabled, cyclists and horse riders.