Ramblers in Beaminster are worried that one of the town's 'prettiest walks' will be lost if an application to extinguish a footpath is successful.

Dorset Council said it is working with the landowners and the public to reach an 'agreeable solution' after receiving the request to abolish a path and divert a bridleway near a farm.

The application has been made due to the footpath not being needed for public use due to the close proximity of the nearby bridleway, which is said to be 'impassable' thanks to wet and boggy ground.

Diverting the route would also 'improve accessibility and enjoyment' for the public and improve security for the landowner, the request to the council states.

But Beaminster resident Mark Oppe, who regularly walks the paths with his dog, is concerned the move will stop the public from enjoying the 'charming brookside walk' which is home to bluebells and wild garlic in the spring months. 

He has asked for a 'compromise' to be reached whereby the path is diverted behind the farm buildings in order for walkers to take in the route which runs alongside a stream and wood. 

The routes are known as 'Footpath 79' and 'Bridleway 80' and located at Chantry Farm, in the north of the town.

"It is unusual because it is a woodland stream-side setting and we do not have a lot of walks like that," Mark said.

"It is a very pretty section which really adds to the enjoyment of the whole walk. It is something I do almost every day with the dog.

"They [the landowners] could divert the path round their farm buildings and the public would still be able to go through this wood.

"But they want to divert it through a field which would cut off the 300 yards or so of woodland. It would be a real shame."

Temporary diversion order signs are in place along the routes and Dorset Council is accepting comments on the plans until Thursday, January 5.

"There is a tension between people who have land with footpaths through it and people who use them," Mark said, adding he has also questioned who is responsible for the upkeep of the paths. 

"I think it is important that these walks are accessible and we have access to what have been public spaces for many years."

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "This is the initial consultation phase in which we are seeking public views on a proposal to extinguish part of Footpath 79 and divert part of Footpath 80 in Beaminster.

"We are working with the landowners and the public to reach an agreeable solution.

"Public rights of way maintenance is the responsibility of both the landowner and the council.

"The landowner is responsible for clearance of side vegetation, and the council is responsible for signage and maintaining the surface including clearance of surface vegetation."

Responses to the consultation should be made in writing either by email to carol.mckay@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by post to: Carol McKay, Definitive Map Team, Spatial Planning, Dorset Council, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.