Colin's a path master (From Salisbury Journal)

Colin's a path master

5:00pm Tuesday 28th August 2012 in New Forest News By Miranda Robertson

ONE of the people responsible for the Avon Valley Path, the Breamore Railway Path and the Castleman Trailway has retired from his role at Hampshire County Council.

Colin Piper put in 23 years’ service in the county rights of way department.

Mr Piper, whose official post at the time of his retirement was map review officer, joined the county council staff in 1989.

Ruth Croker, chairman of the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society, said: “Our society owes Colin a very considerable debt of gratitude.

“He was very much involved, as we were, in the conception and creation of the Avon Valley Path and later with our two railway line paths – first that which became the Castleman Trail in Ringwood and more recently the old Fordingbridge to Salisbury line at Breamore.

“In connection with the former Colin played an important role at the public enquiry after which, with help from us and several local residents, the inspector agreed that following closure of the line in the 1960s it had become a public right of way, thereby ensuring that it would be safe from development and could become a vital part of the Castleman Trail.

“In addition Colin has always been a ready source of willing help in all rights of way matters with an extensive knowledge of the path network and of the rules and regulations governing footpath protection and development.

“Our two footpath secretaries will bear tribute to the help Colin has always been ready to provide.

“We thank him most warmly for his contribution to our work and our achievements and wish him a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement – and, especially, good luck with his planned long-distance walk round the coast of Britain.”

Hampshire County Council’s Countryside Service said: “We would like to thank Colin for his continual professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm within the Countryside Access Team.

“He cared passionately about his work and it is thanks to him that so many routes across Hampshire, including those such as the Castleman Trail and the Breamore Railway line, are now open and available for our residents to use and enjoy.”