Summary: Mrs X complains about a blocked footpath. The Council has offered to do a site visit and meet with Mrs X to discuss the matter. Mrs X has agreed to this offer. Therefore, the Ombudsman has discontinued this investigation.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to here as Mrs X, complains that a footpath has been blocked and the Council has delayed resolving the issue.
2. Mrs X says the blocked footpath has meant she and others need to walk on the road, which is dangerous.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’ which we refer to as ‘fault’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions a council has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I considered the information, emails and documents provided by Mrs X and the Council. Mrs X and the Council had an opportunity to comment on an earlier draft of this decision.

Back to top

What I found

5. Mrs X lives near a footpath. This footpath was in use by the public until access was blocked.
6. The Council has offered to do a site visit and meet with Mrs X to discuss the right of way. Mrs X has accepted this offer. It is for this reason that the Ombudsman has discontinued this investigation.

Back to top

Final decision

7. I have discontinued the investigation into this complaint.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman