After many years and a long drawn out process a Right of Way has been formally asserted along the North Down Coastal Path at Seahaven Caravan Park, Groomsport, Co. Down.

Congratulations are due to North Down Borough Council on their tenacious struggle to achieve this success which will benefit many walkers and local residents for years to come. UFRC have been much involved in this effort through President Reg Magowan who sat on the Councils “Countryside Recreation Working Group” and visited the site with their Countryside Officers. He is also the Voluntary Ranger for the Path under the auspices of Outdoor Recreation N. I. Thanks also to all UFRC members who strengthened the Council’s hand by completing “Evidence of Use” forms.

Under “Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland Order 1983) the route is now held on North Down Borough Council’s register of Asserted Public Rights of Way.

This case proves that with an active local Council walkers rights can be protected and it is important that all UFRC club members do all they can to support Councils in such matters. It can be tedious, time consuming but it is important.