MANY of Surrey's public footpaths and bridleways could be lost as a result of council budget cuts, a walking charity has warned.

The Ramblers charity has identified Surrey's paths as being at risk in its 'Dead End' campaign, which urges local authorities to prioritise walkers.

ENDANGERED: Public footpaths could be lost as a result of council cuts

Campaign officer Rachel Alcock said: "By neglecting paths, Surrey County Council risks damaging people's basic ability to get from A to B.

"Difficult paths will soon become impossible to use, creating dead ends across the network."

"The Ramblers is offering expertise with practical help and advice to the council, to put pedestrians and walkers top of their priority list again. We urge the council not to look this gift horse in the mouth."

A council spokesman said: "This year the budget for maintenance of rights of way is £437,000.

"We are currently carrying out Public Value Reviews of all our services to ensure that we provide

services to our residents which are responsive, reliable and offer maximum value for money.

"The review of the countryside service includes a number of other areas besides rights of way, such as conserving and improving landscape and bio-diversity, looking after our countryside estate and the Basingstoke Canal and working in partnership with many other organisations on projects such as restoring heathland and downland."

But Brian Reader, area footpath secretary for the Ramblers, said: "This is where we fear far more damaging financial cuts could be inflicted."

The consultation section of the review will take place between October and December.