Parts of Ottery St Mary’s waterside footpaths are disappearing under water as erosion changes the course of the River Otter's flow.

Some paths are no longer walkable and have been closed in parts – but they are still marked as public rights of way on Devon County Council’s ‘definitive map’.

Walkers are being urged to keep to the legal line of the paths, because taking alternative routes to avoid the closures would be trespass and could also be dangerous. It is still technically permissible to use a path up until where it meets the river; the closures have been made in the most suitable place, not at the water’s edge.

The county council is monitoring the condition of the paths and hopes to reopen the closed sections at some stage, but has many other demands on its resources. 

Public rights of way are all numbered on Devon County Council’s ‘definitive map’. Among those in Ottery that have partially disappeared is footpath 46, starting at the mill/weir in Tipton St John and heading north; the course of river has meandered across several parts of the former walkway. Footpath 23, in the centre of Ottery St Mary, has also fallen victim to erosion.

Sidmouth Herald: Erosion of 'Footpath 24' which runs close to the River Otter in many placesFootpath 24, which runs alongside the River Otter, is now very close to the water’s edge in many places and looks likely to be closed by the county council soon.

A statement from Ottery Town Council said: “Ottery Town Council recognises the value of these footpaths and the scenic riverbank walks, plus access to safe routes avoiding roads. 

“The Town Council is also keen to seek a fair solution which takes into account the interests of all parties concerned. 

“We have two Footpath Wardens, Cllr Richard Copus and Cllr Matt Williamson.  They are keen to hear of any problems on the miles of footpaths in and around Ottery.  This does not have to be erosion; it could be excessive wear or overgrown trees/bushes. 

“If you are walking or running on one of the footpaths and spot a problem, then please let us know the location of the problem and what it is. This should be emailed to admin@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk with a photo if possible.  Our wardens will then be able to communicate this to Devon County Council and helps them monitor the current state of the paths.“