There are over 850km of Public Rights of Way within Wrexham County Borough Council made up of public footpaths, bridleways and Byways Open to All Traffic. The Council is under a statutory duty imposed under section 130 of the Highways Act 1980 to “assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of ” and “prevent so far as possible, the unauthorised stopping up or obstruction of ” all these public rights of way.

The aim is to ensure that all public rights of way remain in a condition that is safe and easy for use by the public. The Council carries out practical works to maintain them. When enforcement problems occur, it will use advice, persuasion, direct action and / or prosecution proceedings to resolve them.

To avoid the occurrence of enforcement problems, the Council will give advice, practical assistance and guidance to help landowners and occupiers comply with the law. It will also provide information, education and advice to all those who wish to use the public rights of way network in Wrexham.

The management of the Maintenance and Enforcement function of Public Rights of Way is governed on a national level primarily by the statutory legislation of the Countryside Act 1968, the Highways Act 1980, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and a variety of regulations, guidance and central government policies.