1. Old Town
On a day that had a finer morning than was forecast, Graham R and Frank H went to Old Town to do some additional work on the gap where the gate was fitted last week.
i) Ground conditions had prevented the latch post from being dug-in as deeply as we would have liked, so two extra brackets were added so it was secured even more firmly to the wall. Similarly, but as more of a precaution, one extra bracket was used to secure the hinge-post. Unless the wall falls over these posts are now virtually immovable!
ii) A rope loop was added to the latch-post in case any walkers failed to notice the hook and staple fastening!
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| The completed job. Good for years of service? |
iii) A stone step was added to the field side of the gap to make access to the gate easier. Walkers with a normal leg length will now be grateful!
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Above: Stone step in place Right: Step, gap and gate with Graham R on quality control duties! |
2. Cragg Vale
In afternoon we went to Spa Bridge in Cragg Vale. A member of the public was passing the CROWS depot and called in to report a collapsed holly tree was blocking the footpath close to Spa Bridge. We walked the first 200 m of the three rights-of-way from Spa Bridge but could not find the holly tree. There may have been some confusion here! The upstream bank, immediate to the seat and information board, is not a right-of-way. However, in this area, a very large diameter birch tree has uprooted and is on the ground - this may have been the tree referred to. As it is not blocking a public footpath, there is little CROWS can do unless we get a request from the landowner.
