Footpaths
Current footpath issues
The Residents Association continues to monitor the network of local footpaths. We work with the County Council, the Bourne Conservation Group and local residents to ensure good access for residents is maintainted. This includes identifying, reporting and working to resolve issues such as encroachment of footpaths. It can be an offence to move a fence on a footpath so please tell us if you notice any new or moved fences on footpaths in the Bourne.
The Bourne Conservation Group will be shortly commencing their work on maintaining the footpaths.
Plans are afoot to instigate a footpath warden scheme headed by the Bourne Conservation Group.
Celery Lane footpath: the association and the Bourne Conservation Group looked at the poor surface of this footpath and made enquiries with Surrey County Council about how it could be improved. In view of Surrey's lack of funds and regular observations of the state of the lane it would seem as long as the drains are kept clear the path remains useable.
Footpath maps of the Bourne are available.
History of the footpaths
The Bourne Residents Association was formed in 1962 when a handful of residents became concerned by the suggestion that 'The Bourne Woods', or to use its old name, 'The Clumps', had been identified as a possible site for gravel extraction.
In order to deter despoilers, the tactics of registering 'The Clumps' old footpaths was applied and the Association decided to pursue a policy of registering all our old un-registered footpaths with total success, such that in the Bourne there are over 10 miles of footpaths in an area of about 2 square miles.
As part of the Millennium celebrations, we resurrected some of the old footpath names, marking them with new footpath signs. Most were named after someone living nearby such as 'Granny Cook's Path' leading to the school.
