Advice needed- working on an urban footpath

[deezyboy]

Went out to look at my first real urban job yesterday, where I will need to back the landy and chipper onto footpath that a lot of people use to walk from their residential areas into the centre of the town, probably a good 10 min walk from the centre.

The footpath has guards along every street crossing to prevent cars but luckily there is a gateway onto the path close to where I am working.

The path is wide enough to get the truck down and should just be able to squeeze past in a pram.

Will a full chapter 8 setup with switched on groundsmen watching out for any pedestrians be acceptable enough or do I need to notify the council and ask for the footpath to be closed for the day?

As I said, only previously worked in back gardens and the like on my own jobs.

Attached is a map and the footpath is called filham moor lane if that helps paint more of a picture of what im trying to describe.

Thanks chaps, Ben

[veners]

If it's a small path I would be inclined to tape it off at both ends with footpath closed signs as long as there are paths on the other roads for people to use as an alternative.

 

I would imagine it would be locals using the path so would know the alternative route. But be aware that you will get the odd person still come through so groundies will still need to keep a good look out.

 

Obviously the official way is to apply for the closure but this has to be advertised etc and can be a long drawn out process.

[Paul Jenks]

The footpath is part of the highway so you should technically apply to the local highways dept for permission work on it. There may be a charge for this. You're not allowed to close or block a footpath without permission. Getting a closure is an 8-12 week process unless it's an emergency and costs about £600.

You will need a good groundie and lots of signage. You need to consider wheelchair users too.