HARD-WORKING ramblers have teamed up with county council to tackle derelict footpaths in the constituency.

It was not just the sound of woodpeckers hammering that could be heard on the paths above Cwm Mynach, Llanelltyd.

A group of Meirionnydd Ramblers were also busy with hammers and nails, spades and saws to undertake some improvements to the footpaths there.

Local walkers had reported problems finding the route of some footpaths because of poor signage.

Even when located the way was blocked with dense vegetation and a rotten ladder stile just added to the problems.

Armed with these reports, Sam Hollingworth from Gwynedd Council’s Rights of Way team put together a plan of action to tackle the problems and enlisted support from the local ramblers’ group to work alongside local contractors.

“It was a rewarding day for all involved,” said Gill Caves, footpath secretary for Meirionnydd Ramblers.

“There is always a real sense of achievement and we have a lot of fun and usually cake!

“It would just be good to get some other people, not necessarily ramblers, involved.

“Resources for footpath maintenance for the forthcoming financial year will again be reduced and the Rights of Way staff at Gwynedd Council – effectively just two people to look after 1,500 miles of footpaths etc – are working under enormous pressure so it would be good if people who enjoy the paths play their part as well.”

If anyone would like to get involved in helping out with path maintenance further information can be found on the group’s website www.meirionnyddramblers.org.uk.

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