Access to public rights of way and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The restrictions on movement announced by the government now apply to public rights of way and the countryside access network.

Many people will want to seek solace in nature, especially now it is Spring. The outdoors is a great place for exercise which has numerous benefits for health and well-being, especially at a time when we all face social isolation and anxiety. However, people must adhere to government rules and advice for the safety of all.

Please also be aware that some people live in very close proximity to public rights of way – including residential moorings on canal and river towpaths and farmers. Please consider their need for social distancing, treat each other with respect and be aware that some of these people may be in self-isolation because of illness or other vulnerabilities.

The rules to adhere to are:

1. Only use your local public rights of way network for lawful access which is to exercise once a day and for routes to food shops or when essential for work.
2. Do not drive or travel to ‘honeypot’ sites with large car parks or where there are residential moorings. Check our online map of rights of way here
3. Keep around 2 metres (6 feet) spacing between your household group and others you may meet on the paths
4. Don’t arrange to meet other families or form groups larger than two to share your exercise walk or ride
5. Carry, use and take home your tissues and other health products
6. Where paths use canal towpaths and river banks please respect residents who have limited space and may be in self-isolation due to illness and other vulnerabilities. Consider using other routes.
7. Although there’s no evidence of human-animal transference of coronavirus, it is sensible to limit contact with other families’ dogs and farm livestock as part of social distancing

Please continue to enjoy the public rights of way network for exercise and essential journeys responsibly. Our online reporting system for issues is active but please bear in mind that problem resolution may take longer due to staff unavailability.

Oxfordshire County Council
Public Rights of Way Strategy & Operations
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countrysideaccess

There is also this useful video produced by DEFRA

https://www.facebook.com/DefraGovUK/videos/848907328918645/

We are urging people not to light bonfires at this time to protect the respiratory health of the vulnerable and to avoid unnecessary burden on the NHS. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and smoke inhalation can impair people’s breathing. In addition to this, with larger numbers of people now working from home and also looking after children, the smoke from such bonfires can cause unnecessary nuisance to your neighbours.

We appreciate the inconvenience for residents due to the Household Waste Recycling Centres being closed for the time being, but we are asking you to stack or bag up rubbish for disposal at these centres when the current emergency is over. Please continue to dispose of your household and recyclable waste in the usual way.

How can I complain about a bonfire nuisance?

There are no bylaws about garden bonfires, so anyone can light one at any time and as often as they like.

However, if it causes a statutory nuisance, the council can do something about it and so can you. For a bonfire to be classed as such a nuisance, the smoke will have to be affecting you in your home and/or garden. It will also need to be happening on a regular basis (two or three times a week).

There are laws relating to burning trade waste on industrial or commercial premises (including building sites). If these bonfires emit dark smoke, then an immediate offence is committed and the council or Environment Agency can take action which could include prosecuting the offender.

The full text is at http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and-neighbourhood-issues/report-problem-noise-and-nuisance/bonfires-