By law, councils with responsibility for public rights of way have to record them in a definitive map and statement. These legal documents are available for you to look at. You can look at North Lincolnshire Council’s documents by appointment at Church Square House in Scunthorpe.
Councils must keep the documents up to date by means of legal orders. The orders are known as definitive map modification orders.
Changes to the map and statement can include:
- A change in status (for example, from footpath to bridleway).
- The addition of paths and the removal of others. But there must be evidence to show that the map and statement were incorrect up until then.
- The creation, diversion or abolition of a path by public path order.
Either way, a public notice must advertise an order. A copy of the order and its accompanying map must be available for the public to see. People can register representations or objections. If these are not withdrawn, they will be sent with the order to the Secretary of State for arbitration by written representation, public hearing or public inquiry.
Current notices
