Appeal for Southampton Athletic Clubs members to help restore footpath …

Many local runners used to enjoy running on a route that led from Bracken Hall , Bracken Place , Chilworth to an exit point at Chestnut Avenue , Eastleigh . It ran through Smithy & Home Woods (from the Southampton side) and emerged shortly after passing allotments on the left. All that changed in 2010 when a large fence blocked the route at the back of Bracken Hall. However , despite the route not being a legal right of way an enterprising local man Richard Strother is campaigning for access to be restored and is appealing for runners , cyclists and walkers who used the route prior to its closure to complete a Public Right of Way User Evidence Form in order to appeal to Hampshire County Council. If twenty or more years of unimpeded use can be proven prior to the fence being installed it may be possible to bring about a change and reopen this enjoyable route. If you are interested in helping please contact richardstrother@btinternet.com  as he will be able to e-mail you a short form that will need to be returned to him in order to build the appeal. Thanks