10-year plan for footpath repairs

There are more than 12,000 public rights of way in Powys

It will take 10 years to repair and improve the extensive rights of way network in Powys, a two-year study for council leaders has found.

More than 1,700 interested parties, including residents, landowners and tourists, were asked for their views.

Powys Council looks after 5,176 miles (8,330km) of paths and more than 12,000 public rights of way.

The council said it would be seeking "significant investment" from the assembly government for the work.

It added that its improvement plan was ambitious, but said it had been adopted.

Councillor Gareth Morgan, who is responsible for countryside services, said: "We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the improvement plan.

Hard work

"It is rightly ambitious in its aims and significant investment will be required to turn this into a reality. We will be looking to our colleagues in the Welsh assembly to fully support us to enable this to happen."

The rights of way improvement plan will be officially launched next month by Jane Davidson, environment minister.

In August, volunteers who give up weekends to help repair and improve footpaths in Powys were praised for their hard work.

Powys Countryside Volunteers, which has 140 members, last year replaced 25 foot and bridleway bridges, repaired 30 and cleaned and maintained 70 more.