FOI request (FOIR-213561203)

Further Closure of footpaths Hastings 364a, Hastings 364b and Hastings 417 in Ecclesbourne Glen Hastings

These footpaths have been closed for 6 years and have recently had the closure extended for a further 18 months until November 2021.

HBC has been involved in the extension of closures in its role as landowner and ESCC have been involved in their role as rights of way authority.

SEG have tried to obtain information from the Natural Resources Manager via Councillor Bacon. Unfortunately  the Natural Resources Manager has been unwilling to provide the requested information to Councillor Bacon.

I now request the following information formally under EIR.

1.           When was the application for closure made by HBC as landowner to ESCC?

2.           Please provide a copy of the application for closure made by HBC as landowner.

3.           Please provide copies of all related correspondence concerning the latest closures between HBC and ESCC.

4.           Please provide copies of all correspondence concerning the latest closures between HBC and all  other parties.

5.           What was the notification procedure prior to ESCC applying to the Secretary of State on the 20th April 2020?

6.           When and where was notification of this application advertised?

7.           Please provide copies of the notices for the application to extend closure as advertised in the local press

8.           Please provide copies of the notices confirming closure as advertised in the local press

9.           Please provide copies of any correspondence / negotiations with the Country Park Management Forum concerning the closures

10.         Mr Davidson’s claims that HBC were only aware of the extended closure on the 20th April.  Please confirm that there was no correspondence or consultation between HBC and ESCC concerning the extended closures of the footpaths.

11.         Please provide any held information that explains why the top footpath was reopened and yet the lower paths remain closed.

Mr Davidson the officer responsible has recently claimed in an email to Councillor Bacon dated the 03/05/2020 that the footpaths have been “catastrophically adversely impacted by the landslip” and that “there is no longer a safe recognisable footpath that leads down into the glen from the East Hill”

On what basis does Mr Davidson make this claim?

12.         Please provide the geotechnical advice/evidence that supports this claim.

13.         Please provide any other evidence that supports this claim