Footpath on the Rugby Club Land

As many of you will know the redirection of some of the footpaths on The Rugby Club and surrounding land in Stinchcombe were granted by Stroud District Council several months ago.

The Rugby Club have attempted to make the changes clear to users. In April signs and maps were put in place to show where the footpaths now go, and no longer go. Stiles no longer on footpaths were removed and on new and existing paths the stiles have been replaced with gates to increase accessibility.

However, there are a number of walkers, particularly dog walkers, who continue to walk in areas that are not footpaths, and in some cases never were. Regrettably a proportion of these allow their dogs to walk off the lead, roam over sports areas and in some cases foul them. We all know how unpleasant dog mess can be if you come into contact with it, and the very real health risks it poses. An additional issue is that some users not adhering to the footpaths have been rude and disrespectful when challenged and stiles that have been closed have been interfered with.

The Club provides facilities for a range of activities, it is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. It’s facilities and fields are used by people of all ages, including children, all year round for sport and training, and it invests in the health and diversity of its wildlife and environment.

Please help them provide the safest and best quality facilities by keeping to the footpaths, walking your dog on a lead and cleaning up after it.

Many thanks.
Stinchcombe Parish Council