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Public Footpaths

Asked by Dr Simon OpherLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 78860

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential barriers to delivery of (a) the Wotton, Charfield and Kingswood Greenway and (b) other paths on disused railways.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

It is part of National Highway's role to maintain safety on the Historical Railway Estate whilst seeking to transfer assets to other third parties if appropriate. It is for those third parties to assess the viability of potential greenways routes and National Highways will work with those organisations to support those ambitions where possible.

No assessment of the Wotton, Charfield and Kingswood Greenway has been made by the Department. It would be for the local authorities and other local stakeholders involved to continue to develop proposals and assess the viability of the greenway. Active Travel England is developing Rural Design Guidance which will include guidance on greenway delivery and the conversion of old railway paths.

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