Public footpath being blocked?

[MrsBouvier]

Hello, I'm hoping somebody can shed some light on this situation....
we live near the edge of a national trust area, with an old golf course that backs on to a footbridge to enter it. There is a footpath through the back end of the golf course which people have used for at least 50 years. A new owner now wants to block that part of the path to the public. You can still access the bridge, but through a different route. People who walk through are now told by the new owner that he will prosecute.
Can he do so, can he block the public accsss which has been enjoyed for so many years?
Thanks in advance!

Is it actually a public footpath with right of way?

If this is a public footpath then tell the district council and they will intervene. We had the same situation where I used to live and the Council investigated and ordered the house owner who was blocking the path, to reinstate it. It went to court and the footpath is now reinstated. Call your Council now and ask them if it's a proper right of way.

Try the Open Spaces Society. They deal with footpaths

Thanks everyone. I don't know if it's a 'proper' right of way, it's just always been there for years and years. I thought if it was used that way for 20+ years then it becomes one I suppose. Thanks for the responses will look into it

Report to the council and ask them to investigate. Imo he’s trying his luck and is unlikely to be able to remove an established right of way.

Also maybe contact your local Ramblers Association? They might have info on it already and will likely be happy to help.

If it crosses his land he can apply for permission to change the route that the pathway takes. I think it works a bit like planning permission so you'd be able to object.

When I've looked into blocked footpaths, I fOund the council had a "Definitive Map" which showed all the rights of way.

If a path has had continuous use for a long time I think hour right, it does become "permanent" but the rout to getting it unblocked may be different.

Oh wow thank so so much for the advice everybody, I'm so glad I asked! Am trying to find an old map online, or some old pictures, but will try out the other suggestions too

Agreed that you need to look at the Definitive Map of rights of way, hopefully your council will have one online. If the footpath is on there, contact your local Ramblers association. They’ve been very quick and helpful with a query I had locally, someone got back to me within 48 hrs!