Diversions, etc.
The list of modification orders is now 60 outstanding cases, of which 27 are to correct anomalies. Recently confirmed orders include Crowell FP4 at the former pub, Eynsham BR9, Spelsbury BOAT 44/RB45, Enstone BOAT 65/66 (Green Lane), and numerous corrections and extensions pf paths to the nearest road. There are 39 diversion cases outstanding, of which three (Ramsden FP2, Barford St Michael FP22 and Spelsbury FP18/33) have been confirmed. Other confirmed diversions include Ardley FP4, Dorchester FP13, Ewelme FP32/Brightwell Baldwin FP2, Goring Heath FP27, Great Coxwell FP6 (avoiding a swamp near the Tithe Barn), and Chinnor FP52/Crowell FP19 (connecting a new estate to the Ridgeway Path and upgrading to bridleway).
There is a new claim which will, if confirmed, add two new paths in Brightwell Park.
We have written in support of the proposed package on Noke BR10 reported in last year’s Newsletter, which will if confirmed remove the need to walk or ride along the busy B4027.
There has been a public inquiry into the Didcot and Clifton Hampden Bypass scheme. We objected to the treatment of Appleford BR3 and Clifton Hampden FP6, and we await the verdict.
We have accepted the latest proposal on Grove FP3, which removes the path from the proximity of the estate road. We have objected to the diversion of Blackbird Leys FP2 onto the estate road in contravention of national policy.
We have made alternative proposals to the proposed diversions at Wainhill Farm, Chinnor and to the proposed diversion and width reduction on Burford BR24/Westwell BR4.
Other Matters
The proposed caravan site at Britchcombe Farm next to the White Horse appears to have died. The proposed science centre at Waterstock, on the site of the golf course, is the subject of appeal.
Both Marcham BR17 and Sunningwell FP8 are now open, and new steps have been provided east of the A34 on Abingdon FP34 at the A34 (formerly Sunningwell FP12).
The Canal and River Trust have been replacing all the swing bridges which have public access with locked bridges which cannot be moved by the public (only boat owners and (presumably) property owners have keys). Boat owners have been instructed to leave these in the down position; this is reinforced at bridge 219 (Shipton-
While looking for something else on CAMS I notice that OCC claim that they are not responsible for replacing Skinner’s Bridge. This is probably correct, and responsibility no doubt falls on the Environment Agency as this was probably a Thames Conservancy structure. As they still have to repair Benson Lock (probably not open until December 2025), the Horsebridge at Henley and Temple Bridge near Marlow, don’t hold your breath; a bridge at this point would probably cost two or three million.
This is my last contribution to the Newsletter in an official capacity. I will continue to report obstructions and clear them where I can – the canal towpath is now clear from Wolvercote to Shipton church.
David Godfrey from 2024 Annual Report