A local walking charity has issued an urgent appeal for help with minor maintenance work on Isle of Wight paths. The Isle of Wight Ramblers currently needs volunteers to assist the Isle of Wight Council’s Public Rights of Way service with outstanding tasks at 4 different grid reference locations across the Island. Areas the group have highlighted include Berry Shute between Billingham and Chillerton, Kingston and Shorwell. In Shorwell, the group have said nettles need to be cleared from stiles on the SW12 and SW8 paths. The stiles can be found using 2 grid references: SZ 45919 82939 and SZ 44378 83151. A sign on the SW42 path needs cleaning in Kingston and at Berry Shute, foliage is to be cleared from a signpost on the SW44 path – using a saw is recommended. The Kingston sign and Berry Shute foliage can be located using two other grid references: SZ 479813 and SZ 484820. Tim Marshall, who leads the Isle of Wight Ramblers’ footpath minor maintenance team, said:
“If you notice a minor maintenance issue please report it to [email protected]; they will pass it to me and it will be put on the website – please give a discription, position and, if possible, a photo. “It there’s a job near you and you think you can tackle it, please email me at [email protected]. “When completed, please let me know and, if possible, send a photo. “To date we have resolved over 40 issues – well done everyone!”
Councillor Claire Critichison, who represents Chale, Niton and Shorwell on the Isle of Wight Council, has echoed the ramblers’ call for assistance. The Isle of Wight Ramblers has 420 members in 2 groups: the Isle of Wight Group and Wight Sole Group. They organise a wide selection of walks at varying lengths on a regular basis and are part of the UK-wide Ramblers walking charity.
The council should do this out of good will surely?
Clean it yourselves if you want to use it?
how about the ramblers do it themselves, instead of expecting others to tidy up the areas they use.