England, my England
Sir: I was amused by Kenneth Allsop's account (28 February) of his brush with a gamekeeper —but not surprised. As Mr Allsop implies, the country paths, even when they are rights of way, are being systematically and deliberately destroyed and made impassable by one means or another. This is going on all over Britain.
Last year, in the Countryside Act, Parliament reaffirmed the sanctity of footpaths. The new law states that a farmer who ploughs a path must restore it within six weeks of giving notice of intention to do so or, if he fails to give notice, within three weeks of starting to plough. This is, theoretically, a great improve- ment on the old law which stated that the path had only to be restored 'as soon as may be,' a vague and unenforceable phrase.
Whether the new law is enforced or not will depend on the vigilance of people like Ken- neth Allsop who use country paths and on the willingness of highway authorities (usually the county councils) to warn and ultimately prose- cute defaulting farmers. Mr Allsop and all aggrieved country-lovers can make sure that any infringements of the law they spot go straight to the right apthorities (and are followed up) by reporting them to the Ramblers' Association. We will gladly supply the name and address of our local represen- tative to anyone interested.
Tom Stephenson Secretary, The Ramblers' Association, 124 Finchley Road, London NW3
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