WE refer to the letter from Steph Carter (Council in dock over prized trail, Hereford Times, October 22).

The cause of the problems encountered by this long distance walker is the contracted-out Balfour Beatty Public Rights of Way department which advises senior council officers and elected members.

Taxpayers’ money has recently been squandered on a minor footpath in Madley that had been obstructed for many years. Instead of enforcing removal of the obstructions the council spent 10 years trying to ‘amicably’ deal with the problem instead of using its statutory powers when it became apparent that the landowners had no intention of complying with the law.

Finally, the contracted-out PROW office advised the landowner to apply for a diversion. This was strongly opposed by the parish council, local residents and ourselves who would be significantly affected due to the proximity of the diversion route to our property.

Because of the significant objections the council has two choices. By law, it can decide not to confirm the order or it can ask the planning inspectorate to make that decision (pass the buck) at taxpayers’ expense.

A two-day public inquiry was held, an expert was hired by the council to fight the case, officers were in attendance from Balfour Beatty and the council We had to pay all our own considerable expenses to protect the value and privacy of our property.

The result? The planning inspector ruled that the diversion was dangerous for use by the public, the width measurements of the diversion routes were insufficient to safely accommodate walkers and vehicles and it would have a significantly detrimental impact on us, the nearest residents affected. The order was not confirmed. The footpath had to finally be reopened on its legal line.

No wonder there is no money available to deal with the Herefordshire Trail. Our council has a wishy-washy approach to obstructions on the network and fails to enforce its statutory obligations. It is short-changing its taxpayers and users of the network.

With money to squander like this, using delegated powers, what hope is there for Herefordshire taxpayers when the footpath could generate vast tourist income if properly cared for?

The £16 million Wales Coast Path generated £32 million in visitor spending in its first year. What other investment gives a 100% return?

GEORGE AND MARY DOMAN Madley