In 2009, Milwich started preparing a Parish Plan and surveyed all parishioners.
A number of issues were raised by parishioners, but the survey also evidenced that they would be interested in volunteering. This lead to the formation of the Milwich Footpath Maintenance Group.
Training was then provided by the county council for certain works and the small group of volunteers were encouraged to get involved in everything from clearance, signage, stile and gate repairs. In many cases the volunteers have used their own tools as well as some provided by the county council.
Over the years the team has grown from 4 to 8 members who generally undertake works once a month for 10 months of the year.
Since they started, the group has installed or replaced 39 stiles and repaired several others, installed or repaired 18 finger posts, installed or repaired six bridges, installed two gates and repaired another three, and installed numerous steps on steep banks as well as ongoing clearance and signage works. Path furniture is labelled on completion of the work which has led to the group receiving positive feedback and offers of help.
The group have also liaised with landowners, and have developed their own dog gates to install when new stiles are installed. These gates are installed thanks to grants and donations and now, whenever landowners permit, a dog gate is installed each time a stile is fitted. To date the group have installed 27 dog gates in the Milwich and Fradswell area and in all cases works are planned in advance and risk assessments undertaken.
Paul Ritson, who heads up the group, said: “We started the group because we did not think jobs in and around the parish were completed quickly enough by SCC and we wanted to help.
Now, we carry on because we all enjoy the work and because we feel we are contributing something to our local community. SCC has been very helpful and responsive when we have asked for help”.