Broads’ footpath bid sees dozens come forward to prove over 1,200 years of use

Footpath officials are considering the way forward over a riverside path in Great Yarmouth.

Houses with moorings are planned at Marina Quays Picture: Julie Young - Credit: Julie Young

Campaigners are looking to prove continued use for the walkway that runs by the side of the River Bure from Tar Works Road, alongside Bure Park linking with the West Caister FP10 route.

MORE: ‘This is not a lynch mob’ - public meeting called over Broads housing planIt is part of a bid to protect access from developers looking to build homes and residential moorings at the Marina Quays site, off Caister Road.

A public meeting is being staged with all the key players tomorrow, Thursday, at Great Yarmouth and Caister golf club at 6.30pm.

Mike Sedgwick, who has submitted the footpath application, said 12 people were needed to prove 20 years of use but they had over 50 attesting to over 1,200 years - a figure which merely “scratched the surface” - and included people from all across the borough.

He said if the landowner lodged an objection the case could go to the Secretary of State to decide and potentially take years.

The path, although not on any official maps, is included among suggested town walks and promoted in leaflets.

Some 400 homes in the River Walk area have been notified of the public meeting and a good turnout is expected.

MORE: New riverside homes and moorings planned for ‘neglected’ corner of Norfolk Broads