South Yorkshire Times August 10, 1946

Ancient Rights of Way
To be surveyed by Old Denaby Council

Old minute books are to be consulted by Old Denaby Parish Counsel to assist them in establishing whether certain footpaths in or around the village are, or are not, public rights of way.

Discussion on the topic, initiated at Friday’s meeting by Mr A Spyve led to the revelation by the clerk (Mr R Dunn) that old documents were that were clearly Parish Council property have been handed to him  from time to time by private individuals. Once some papers dated 1844 been brought to him and recently a man had put on his desk an old seal of the Parish Council, which he (the Clerk) did not know existed. Apparently in former days Mr Dunn explained, the Parish meeting met perhaps once a year, appointing a clerk to the meeting. The following year someone else would perhaps be appointed and documents were not handed on.

Mr Spyve said the footpath across Thorne Fields, by Engine Farm, had been stopped by the farmer. It had always been a footpath, leading to Kilnhurst.

Mr AR Earnshaw held that the existing footpath was not the original one. The matter had been raised years before and an old minute book, which he said was now in the hands of a private person, contained a ruling that the path had not been used sufficiently long to press claim for right away.

The Clerk, promising to obtain the old minute books if possible, explained that the case for a public right-of-way rested on whether the footpaths have been used without interference for 20 years, where it came from and where it went to. If it only served certain houses it would be difficult to prove; if it continued past the houses and led to someplace and had done so for 20 years, then there might be a good case.

Mr H Bliss said the path serves so far as he knew, only the farm and nearby cottages.

In furtherance of the proposal to erect a village hall, the cost of which could be raised, it was stated, by a grant, an interest-free loan, and an appeal for a certain portion amongst the local inhabitants, it was decided to invite the secretary of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council down to explain the mode of procedure.

The Head postmaster is to be acquainted with complaints concerning postal and telegram delivery services. Mr Spyve said letters were being delivered after 10 AM which acted adversely against businesspeople. They should press for the instalment of the two deliveries a day service.

Mr Spyve said a telegram recently received at his home last Sunday was franked for the day before.