PKC issues advice on use of core paths
Council urges people to be responsible over access
Perth and Kinross Council’s community greenspace team is to write to landowners in the region following reports of the closure of some core paths due to concerns about the potential spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
According to council officers, the letter is being sent out “if and when the need arises” along with copies of guidance posters on outdoor access during the global pandemic.
In the letter, seen by the Herald, council officers state: “This is a worrying time for everyone and we are writing to you in the midst of this health crisis to clarify our position regarding the public right of responsible access because we know that this is likely to be a concern to you.”
The letter goes on: “People otherwise confined at home are legitimately going out to take exercise daily and it is important that routes, particularly core paths, remain open for responsible access.
“It is up to access takers to ensure they do this safely and maintain the required distance and wash their hands regularly, especially before and after exercise.
“We realise that pinch points along a route, particularly gates, can be of special concern.
“Where possible it may be useful to temporarily prop gates open, if not required for livestock control, to reduce handling.
“Unlike foot and mouth disease this virus does not affect animals so the normal responsible access arrangements around livestock should still apply.
“We understand that some paths will be more heavily used than usual and want to thank you for carrying on with your work while understanding and respecting the increased need of your local community to use these paths.”
However, concerns have been raised in some rural areas about people driving to remote spots to exercise.
Alongside the usual rights of responsible access, detailed in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and which still apply, government advice is that people only go out once a day for exercise, which could be walking, running or cycling either alone or with members of their household, and that it is important to stay local and use open spaces close to your home rather than travelling to other areas.
In addition, social distancing should be maintained – people should stay at least two metres away from other people – and grass verges or other spaces should be used to allow safe passing.
Hygiene precautions should also be taken when you are outside, avoiding contact where possible and washing your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
Dogs need to be kept on a lead or under close control and should not be allowed to approach others.
Pet owners should pick up and remove their animals’ waste.
And as it is lambing time, people are asked to avoid farms where possible, not to take dogs into fields with lambs or other young animals in them and to avoid disturbing any wildlife or livestock.