Outdoor Partnerships Temporary closures of public rights of way
Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 allows for the temporary closure of a Public Right of Way on the grounds of public safety to enable the applicant to carry out works. Following application, an order is made and advertised to close a route for a specified period, initially for up to six months (although this may be extended). Where possible an alternative route is identified for users and described in the notice erected at either end of the closed route.
To make an application for a temporary closure, please read the guidance note PGN 21 and download the application form - links are available to both documents in the related information section.
The following is a list of current temporary closures:
Footpath UN10 & Footpath 16, Parish of Much Wenlock
Footpath UN16 and Footpath 16 in the Parish of Much Wenlock. Footpath UN10 leaves Station Road at grid reference SJ 6233 0026 travelling in a SW direction to meet the road at Bull Ring grid reference SJ 6242 0012. Additionally, Footpath 16 from where it leaves FP 15 at grid reference SJ 6251 0045 travelling in a SE, then SW and finally S direction to join the end of FP UN10 at Bull Road grid reference SJ 6242 0012.
It is intended that the proposed restriction will come into force on 22 October 2025 and be in place for a 21-day period following implementation. It is required on the grounds of public health and safety while works are carried out. The works are expected to end on 24 October 2025. There are no alternative routes available. The routes will be closed to public access between the hours of 9am to 3pm daily.
Footpaths 15 & 14 Billingsley and Bridleways UN3 & UN1 Kinlet & Highley
Footpaths 15 & 14 from where Footpath 15 leaves the B4363 at grid reference SO 7148 8340 travelling in a NE direction where it changes to Footpath 14 and continues to meet the road at grid reference SO 7255 8395. And Bridleway UN3 from where it leaves the B4363 at grid reference SO 7152 8340 travelling through the woodland, crossing the Parish boundary where it becomes Bridleway UN1 and ending at the road at grid reference SO 7262 8378. This section of Bridleway forms part of the Jack Mytton Way.
The Order will come into operation on 20 October 2025 for a period of up to 6 months or until works are completed whichever is soonest and is required so that tree safety works can be carried out in the woodlands.
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 47Y Shrewsbury / FP 47 (part) Bicton
Footpath 47Y and part of FP 47 running from Oaks Lane in a general north westerly direction to Gains Park Way at Oaks Farm.
The Order will come into operation on 11 September 2025 until the 11 March 2026, in the first instance and is required on the grounds of public safety to allow development to take place.
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 13Y Selattyn & Gobowen
Footpath 13Y running from Old Chirk Road, over the railway line then in a westerly direction to the A5.
The Order will come into operation on 15 September 2025 until the 15 March 2026, in the first instance and is required on the grounds of public safety to allow development to take place
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 39 (parts) & Footpath 56 (parts) Worfield & Bridgnorth
Footpath 39 (parts) in the Parish of Bridgnorth and Footpath 56 (parts) in the Parish of Worfield. From the southerly point of FP 39 in the wood at grid reference SO 7264 9390 travelling along and including both forks in the FP before it becomes FP56 and continues through the woods to its northerly point at Bromley Road, grid reference SO 7302 9448. A further branch of FP 56 commences in the wood at grid reference SO 7261 9448 and runs in a WSW direction to grid reference SO 7241 9435 where it meets the A442.
The Order will come into operation on 18 August 2025 for a period of up to six months or until works are completed whichever is soonest and is required on the grounds of public health and safety.
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 6Y & 7Y (parts) Parish of Bitterley
Part of FP 6Y leaving grid reference SO 5378 7459 and running in a general easterly direction for approximately 110 metres to grid reference SO 5408 7459 and part of FP 7Y at grid reference SO 5390 7421.
The Order will come into operation on 4 August 2025 until the 15 September 2025 or until works are completed whichever is soonest and is required on the grounds of public safety whilst new power cables are connected on to the existing grid in the area and, for improvements to the existing track from Squirrel Lane to the position of a new substation building.
There will be diversion routes in place, running alongside the sections of footpath to be closed. The continuation of the footpaths will remain open and available for public use throughout the period.
Bridleway 31 Chelmarsh
Bridleway 31 at Dinney Farm, leaving grid reference SO 7234 8787 to grid reference SO 7279 8816.
The Secretary of State has granted an extension of the said Order until 21 February 2027 or until the completion of the works, whichever is the earlier. The Order is still required on the grounds of public safety to allow a water mains to be connected along the bridleway.
There is no alternative route available.
Further information about closures of Public Rights of Way contact outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk
Footpath 33, Footpath 34 (pt), Footpath 34R, Footpath UN6 Weston Rhyn
FP 33/ FP 34 (pt) from the Bronygarth to Weston Rhyn Road at grid reference SJ 2689 3691 through Pentre Wood to Pontfaen Bank at grid reference SJ 2792 3701 and FP 34R & FP UN6 which runs past the property known as Hafod at grid reference SJ 2697 3708.
An extension has been granted by the Secretary of State allowing the Order to continue to be in force from 11 August 2025 until the 11 August 2026 or until the works are completed whichever is earlier. It is required on the grounds of public health and safety due to the damaged and unstable ground over which the footpaths run.
There are no alternative routes available.
Bridleway 68 Stottesdon/Kinlet (Birchen Park)
Bridleway 68 Stottesdon/Kinlet which runs through Birchen Park from grid reference SO 6994 8057 to SO 7053 8027.
The Order will come into operation on 31 January 2025 for a period of 6 months or until works are completed, whichever is soonest.
The closure is required on the grounds of health and safety due to damage caused to trees during recent storms.
There is an alternative route available using the surrounding Rights of Way network.
Further information about closures of Public Rights of Way contact outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk
Footpath 5 Wistanstow
Part of FP 5 Wistanstow which runs from A489 at grid reference SO 4183 8578, opposite High House in a general south west then westerly direction over the River Onny to grid reference SO 4169 8563.
The Order will continue to be in operation until 26 June 2026. The closure is still required on the grounds of health and safety due to the bridge over the River Onny being washed away.
There is an alternative available along the old railway line.
Footpath 33 Shrewsbury
Running from its junction with Mount Street at SJ 4876 1312 running in a general north easterly direction to steps at the bottom of Hunter Street at SJ 4881 1317.
The Order will continue to be in operation on until 21 December 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety due to the surface being unstable.
There is an alternative route available.
Footpath 46, 45 & 47 Whitchurch (off Milebank Road)
Footpath 46, 45 & 47 where they run through the old creamery site at Mile Bank Road.
The Order will continue to be in operation from the 24 April 2025 until the 24 April 2027 , and is still required on the grounds of public safety to allow development to take place.
There is an alternative route available using the existing Rights of Way network.
Footpath 24 Pimhill
Footpath 24 leaving Shrewsbury Road, to the south of The Wickets, Bomere Heath at grid reference SJ 4746 1913 running in a general south westerly direction, over the railway line and continuing to run to the Leaton Road at Malt House Farm at grid reference SJ 4690 1865.
The Order will continue to be in operation from 2 March 2025 until the 2 March 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety to allow development to take place.
BW 18 Cleobury Mortimer (Mawley Hall)
Bridleway 18 at The Bothy, leaving BW 19 & BW 21 at grid reference SO 6901 7554 and running in a general westerly the northerly direction to where it joins with FP 32 & BW 17 at grid reference SO 6870 7562.
The Order will continue to be in force until 31 July 2026 or until works are completed whichever is soonest and is required on the grounds of public safety to allow drainage to be installed along the bridleway.
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 3/3R Weston Rhyn
Footpath 3 (part) and Footpath 3R Weston Rhyn which runs from FP 4 at Moreton Hall in a north easterly direction through the The Sawmills to the Weston Rhyn to Rhosweil Road.
The order will continue to be in operation until 1 February 2026, and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the new development.
Bridleway 125 & 126, Footpaths 122, 123, 127 & 128 town of Whitchurch (Off Tilstock Road)
BW 125 & 126 (Greenfoot Lane) and FP’s 122, 123, 127 and 128 which all run in between the B5476 Tilstock Road and Mossfields Farm (GR SJ 5417 4038) in the Town of Whitchurch.
The Order will continue to be in force from 28th May 2025 until the 28th May 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the development.
There is an alternative route available on the ground for FP 122.
Footpath 6 Hodnet
Where it runs from Abbots Way at SJ 6146 2869 in a southerly direction to Station Road at SJ 6157 2833.
The Order will continue to be in operation until the 13 September 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the new development.
Bridleway 9 (part) Market Drayton
Leaving Greenfields Lane at SJ 6659 3474 running in a general north westerly direction to SJ 6648 3479.
The Order will continue to be in operation until 16 May 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the development.
There is an alternative available.
Footpaths 68 (part), UN1 (part), 74 (part) & 71 (part) Shrewsbury. Land south of STFC, Oteley Road
Rights of Way that run across land to the south of the STFC Football Stadium in Shrewsbury.
The Order will continue in force until 30 November 2026 and is required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the development in this area.
There are alternative routes available using the adjacent Rights of Way network.
FP 59 Bayston Hill – Rail Crossing
That part of Footpath 59, Bayston Hill from GR SJ4898 0953 running generally north easterly for approximately 100 metres crossing the railway line to GR SJ 4907 0958 has been extended until 7 May 2026, on the grounds of public safety because of the likelihood of danger to the public where the path crosses the railway line following a recent Risk Assessment.
An alternative route is available utilising a bridge crossing the railway line between the same grid references slightly to the south of the definitive line of the footpath.
Footpath 46 Whitchurch
Footpath 46 in Whitchurch where it leaves Mile Bank Road at SJ 5522 4309 and enters a former dairy factory site running south easterly for 46 metres to SJ 5524 4305 to meet FP 45 which continues south for 462 metres to SJ 5516 4263 at junction with FP’s 44 & 50. Also, FP 47 which leaves FP 45 at SJ 5524 4305 to run north easterly for 270 metres to the junction with BW 51 and FP 48 at SJ 5546 3419.
The Order will come into operation on 24 October 2024 until the 24 April 2025, in the first instance and is required on the grounds of public safety to allow development to take place.
BW 54 & BW UN3 Little Ness/Baschurch
BW 54 from Bunny Lane at Adcote (GR SJ 4224 1953) running in a general north easterly direction past Adcote Mill, crossing the River Perry (GR SJ 4228 1958) and BW UN3 leaving BW 54 before the River Perry then in a general south east, north east then south easterly direction to GR SJ 4260 1968.
The Order will continue to be in operation until 30 December 2025 or until works is completed whichever is earliest on the grounds of public safety due to repair works being required on the riverbank and bridge to be installed.
FP 54 can be walked up to the River Perry but not as a through route to Bunny Lane.
Footpath 14 Berrington
From GR 52840689 running in a general north westerly direction to GR 52560734.
An extension has been granted by the Secretary of State allowing the Order to continue in force from the 4 March 2025 until 4 March 2027 (or until works are completed which may be earlier). This is required on the grounds of public safety due to a sink hole opening up at the southern end of the route.
There is no alternative route available.
Byway open to all traffic 29 (part) Alveley
The use of mechanised vehicles and horse drawn carriages have been temporarily prohibited from proceeding on Byway Open To All Traffic 29, Alveley, at Turley Green from Grid Reference SO 7641 8582 running for approximately 510 metres between Gortons Dingle and a lake generally westerly then southerly between fields to SO 7611 8552 where it joins the County Road.
An extension has been granted by the Secretary of State allowing the Order to continue to be in force from 4 September 2025 until the 4 September 2027 or until the works are completed whichever is earlier. It is required to prevent further damage to the surface of the route which is in a dangerous state.
An alternative route will be available travelling along County Roads in the vicinity of the byway.
Footpath 5/5Y Sheriffhales
From where Footpath 5Y leaves the A41 at grid reference SJ 7786 1352 travelling in a westerly direction along Footpath 5 to end at Damson Lane grid reference SJ 7753 1349.
The Order will continue to be in force until 25 November 2025 and is still required on the grounds of public safety due to damage to the building adjacent to the routes.
There is no safe alternative route available.
Footpath 34 (part) Weston Rhyn
At Pentre Wood grid reference SJ 2728 3709 travelling through the woods along the River Ceiriog before heading in a south westerly direction to meet the road in Bronygarth at grid reference SJ 2678 3700.
The order will continue to be in force until the 4 February 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety as the footpath has been eroded into the River resulting in works being needed.
There is an alternative route available through Pentre Wood.
Footpath 43 (part) Worfield
From grid reference SO 7386 9556 running in a south westerly direction over Rindleford Bridge to SO 7373 9551.
An extension has been granted by the Secretary of State allowing the Order to continue to be in force until 1 January 2027, or until the works are completed whichever is earlier. It is still required on the grounds of public health and safety as repair and maintenance works are required on the bridge.
Access can still be maintained using the surrounding Rights of Way and Road Networks.
Footpath 7 Bicton & FP 8 Shrewsbury
Off Welshpool Road at GR SJ 4522 1342 with FP 7 running in a general north westerly direction to join FP 9 at The Cottage and FP 8Y running in a general NNE direction to Shepherds Lane.
The Order will continue to be in operation 21 July 2025 until the 21 January 2027 and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential risk to the public during works being undertaken on the development.
FP 9 - Bicton
Leaving Shepherds Lane at Pool View (SJ 4531 1384) running in a general westerly direction to Calcott Lane at The Cottage (SJ 4498 1382).
The Order will continue to be in force until 4 February 2026 and is still required on the grounds of public safety because of the potential danger to the public during works being undertaken on the development.
Footpath 102A Cardington
From where it leaves Footpath 108 at grid reference SO 5121 9452 travelling in a generally NE direction crossing Heath Brook before turning east and running alongside buildings at Gretton Mill to grid reference SO 5123 9455.
An extension has been granted by the Secretary of State allowing the Order to continue to be in force from 25 February 2024 until the 25 February 2026 or until the works are completed whichever is earlier. It is required on the grounds of public safety due to a missing bridge on the Definitive Line of the footpath.
There is an alternative route available using the Permissive Footpath that has been put in place on site that runs adjacent to the Definitive Line.
Bridleway 32 (part) Worthen with Shelve
From its junction with Footpath 22Z at grid reference SJ 3391 0107 at Hope Valley travelling in a generally south westerly direction to where it meets the road at grid reference SJ 3387 0091.
The Order will continue to be in operation until the 25 November 2025 or until works are completed whichever is soonest and is required on the grounds of public safety due to part of the Bridleway surface collapsing.
There is no alternative route available.
Footpath 59 Kinlet
Footpath 59 Kinlet which runs from its junction with BW 58R & BW 63R at Longdon Orchard in a general southwesterly direction through Kingswood Farm to join with BW UN5 & BW 60 at the entrance to Brand Wood.
The order will continue to be in operation from the 21 September 2024 until 21 March 2026, with the closure still required on the grounds of health and safety due to a building adjacent to the footpath collapsing.
Footpath 14/16 & Footpath 13 Buildwas
Temporary diverting Footpath 14 leaving the A4169 at grid reference SJ 6431 0399 running in general south-easterly then easterly direction as Footpath 16 to join bridleway UN 1 at grid reference SJ 6491 0393 and temporary stopping up footpath 13 leaving restricted byway 16 at grid reference SJ 6460 0425 running in a general south-easterly direction through Buildwas Quarry to join with FP 14/16 at grid reference SJ 6481 0392.
The orders will come into operation on 9 January 2025 until the 9 January 2031. The orders have been made under section 257 & 261 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and both are required on the grounds of public safety to allow quarry works to take place.
These orders will be in place for 6 years from date of commencement. The intention is for the Rights of Way affected to be restored, after the minerals have been worked to a condition not substantially less convenient to the public, users must be provided with as commodious a route as they were afforded by the footpath, prior to the quarrying commencing.
Footpath 47R Woore
Public Footpath 47R in the Parish of Woore which runs from its junction with the A51 (Nantwich Road) at grid reference SJ 7299 4242, in a general west-south-west, then west-northwest, then north-north-west, then west-south-west direction enclosed between residential properties to its junction with the A525 (Audlem Road) at grid reference SJ 7288 4239 and as shown by a continuous bold black line on the temporary closure order map.
The highway will be closed by way of a temporary closure order from 20 August 2025 for a period of six months or until works are completed, whichever is soonest.
This closure is required on the grounds of public safety due to concerns regarding the structural integrity of part of a brick boundary wall that is located alongside this public footpath.
An alternative route is available via the pavements along Audlem Road and Nantwich Road as shown by a continuous bold green line on the temporary closure order map.
For further information about closures of public rights of way contact outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk
For further information please contact the Rights of Way Mapping and Enforcement team or Customer Service Centre on 0345 678 9006.