Worcestershire County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) is an important strategic policy document, which the council is required by law to have in place. It sets out how Worcestershire County Council can make sure the public rights of way network meets the needs of the public, now and in the future. More information on ROWIPs can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-authority-rights-of-way-improvement-plans
A public right of way is a public highway and is part of, and connects with, the wider highway network. Although they are mainly in the countryside, there are public rights of way in towns and villages too. There are four types of public right of way:
Public footpaths – a public right of way only for pedestrians (including dog walkers, users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and people with buggies);
Public bridleways – As per public footpaths, and in addition can be used horse riders and cyclists;
Restricted byways – As per public footpaths and bridleways, and in addition can be used by horse-drawn carriage drivers;
Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) – a public right of way for all users, including motor vehicles.
Worcestershire County Council is writing to inform residents and the Parish Council that the process of carrying out a new assessment and review of Worcestershire’s ROWIP is beginning.
The process of reviewing the ROWIP, and the engagement being carried out before a new ROWIP is drafted, will help us to better understand the needs of Worcestershire’s residents. The ROWIP aims to address the priorities of the area in terms of health and wellbeing, supporting people living with disabilities and mental health issues, regeneration, growth, transport, climate change, tourism and other priorities. The views of Parish Councils are important to do this. To help us, we'd like the views of your council and residents. The feedback will help to develop the priorities and actions of the new Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which will be produced in 2026.
Views of Members of the Public
The views of members of the public are important and welcome. To gather these, we have also set up an online public questionnaire. We would we grateful if you could publicise this questionnaire and encourage people to complete it. We have attached a poster to this email which you may wish to display on site or use on social media.
The questionnaire for the public is online at: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/RoWIPengage
This questionnaire also closes at midnight on 26th October 2025.
Visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/environment/countryside-and-leisure/public-rights-way for more information about public rights of way in Worcestershire and to report an issue on a public right of way.
The draft ROWIP is due to be completed in 2026 and you will be invited to comment on the draft.
Public Rights of Way Team
Economy and Infrastructure
Worcestershire County Council
Published: 15/08/2025 Published by: Severn Stoke & Croome d'Abitot Parish Council
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