£695,000 has been allocated in the 2025/26 budget for Parish and Town Councils to progress schemes that improve their local area.
Following the successful introduction of two new schemes last year that provided funding to Parish and Town Councils to improve Public Rights of Way and local drainage in their areas, an additional £695,000 has been allocated in the 2025/26 budget to continue the good work.
There’s around 1,873 miles (3,015km) of Public Rights of Way (PROW) footpath and 257 miles (413km) of bridleway in the county. Maintaining the PROW network is important so that residents and visitors can access and enjoy the countryside. £250,000 of the funding will continue to help communities to improve sections of their local PROW network which, for various reasons, may have become inaccessible to some users. Last year, Parish and Town Councils were able to use this funding to ensure paths and bridleways were made more accessible with new stiles, bridges, gates and fingerposts.
The remaining £445,000 will be made available via the Local Drainage Fund which gives Parish and Town Councils the chance to request funding for ditching and minor drainage projects which they have identified as a local priority and which can alleviate flooding. As part of this scheme Parish and Town Councils are able to request 100% of the funding for a project and appoint local contractors to complete the work on their behalf.
Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said:
“Parish Councils are best placed to know what is needed in their area to make improvements to the local environment for the whole community and visitors. From speaking with them I am aware first hand of the difference this funding makes at a local level. Despite the loss of Rural Services Grant and other funding pressures, I am pleased we are able to continue this commitment in 2025/26 with an additional £695,000.”