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New bridges and steps open beauty spot routes

Josh Sandiford
BBC News, West Midlands
Getty Images An aerial shot of Eastnor. There is lots of green space and trees. There are some roads and cars parked up in a field. Rolling hills can be seen for many miles. Getty Images
The first phase of the work has been carried out in Eastnor

Routes that were inaccessible to walkers are set to be reopened after new bridges and steps were put in.

There are 2,100 miles of public access "rights of way" across Herefordshire, but some of it remains closed off to ramblers.

Herefordshire Council has promised to fix this, and wants to open the network to residents and tourists.

The first phase of work is now complete, it said, with 10 new bridges and the replacement of 200 steps around the village of Eastnor.

Herefordshire Council A composite image. On the left, a gate and a bridge where people can walk. On the right, there is a snaking set of steps going up a hill in a forest with soil either side. Herefordshire Council
There are 10 new bridges and 200 steps have been replaced

Councillor Philip Price, the cabinet member of transport and infrastructure, said more locations were set for similar measures in the coming weeks, adding paths had been closed due to a "historic lack of investment".

"Keeping our network well-maintained and open helps provide opportunities for local people to boost their health and wellbeing by walking outdoors [and] attracts visitors," he said.

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