CHARITIES, societies and Frensham residents have come together to create a new permissive footpath, making a safe route for walkers between the A287 and the six-year-old Reeds Road permissive path.

On Sunday nearly 60 walkers set off from Hollowdene Rec in Frensham, to inaugurate the new path. Heading off to the corner of the football field and using the existing public footpath down to Millbridge Court (that used to be The Mariners), they crossed the A287 and up Ellel Ministries’ main drive before joining the new path.

It is not a public right of way. Walkers are ‘permitted’ to use it, by kind permission of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and the Countryside Restoration Trust, Pierrepont Farm.

The inaugural walk ended at Pierrepont Farm’s Education Centre, where Frensham WI had prepared refreshments. The fascinating robotic dairy was open to visitors and people dispersed in different directions, some to Frensham Garden Centre, some to Frensham Common for an extended walk, and some returning along the new path to enjoy the views from the opposite direction. There is even an unusual.

The costs have been kept to a minimum with 19 volunteers in total helping with various stages of the project, cutting back undergrowth, clearing roots, erecting posts, fencing and kissing gates.

Mayonne Coldicott, who co-ordinated the project said: “We have been incredibly fortunate, not only to gain agreement for the permissive path, but also to have enormous practical support from Mike Clear, the tenant farmer, and Mat Edwards, Ellel’s facilities manager, and their teams.

“Despite having demanding ‘day jobs’, they have given generously of their time, expertise and energy to create this safe route for walkers.

“The volunteers from the village came forward willingly and have worked with great enthusiasm. We have all been made very welcome on the private land, and for lunch and coffee at Ellel Ministries on two occasions. The community spirit has been great.”

Contributions to the costs have come from Frensham Fayre (£1,000), Frensham Parish Council (£150) and profits from the refreshments.

Following its completion, the extended pathway now provides a safe and beautiful walkway to Frensham Garden Centre and beyond to Frensham Common.

The work was completed as a co-operative effort from the Frensham community, Pierrepont Farm and Ellel Ministries Pierrepont.