Mission to save our footpaths

A PRESSURE group for the protection of paths and green spaces has appointed a new representative to fight against potential losses due to housing development.

Peter Pollak, a retired engineer surveyor, is the new local correspondent for The Open Spaces Society in the Harborough district.

Peter will keep a close watch on paths, commons, greens and other open spaces in the area and will intervene when they are threatened.

He was an engineer surveyor for the insurance industry, and during that time undertook surveys of council-owned parks and open spaces.

Peter credits this for giving him the opportunity to develop an early interest in public rights of way, commons and green spaces, and through his job he developed a rapport with local land managers and councillors at all levels.

Of his new role, Peter said: ‘Because Market Harborough was identified by government as being suitable for further expansion, an additional 5,000 properties are to be built here over the next 20 years.

“Current planning applications in force by the various developers indicate numerous public paths are going to be built over without diversions having been agreed in advance, contrary to law and guidance.

‘I strongly believe that access to open countryside, including commons and open spaces, should be enjoyed by all, and for generations to come. I have campaigned against these closures and diversions, and have succeeded in persuading some developers to seek a solution. Now I’ll be able to do this on behalf of the Open Spaces Society, making a stronger voice in defence of paths and open spaces.”