shutting alleys/footpaths - the law - anyone know about this?

td

We have a small stretch of land with a footpath behind out house spanning under half a mile. It has 5 entrances onto it and we are plagued by bikes. I have been in negotiations with the police and local council who have been very supportive but they would like to clost some of the problem alleys - I think 5 is unnecessary anyway. Apparently the footpath has an allocated number but I'm not sure about the alleys leading onto it. The reply from the Ancient Rights of Way was a little ambiguous but indicated that they would all need a legal order to close which I know is costly and unlikely to happen.

Does anyone know how I can find out for myself what the status of these footpaths are and how difficult they would be to close. Walkers and the Ramblers wouldn't have a problem I'm sure with their closure as they are so close to each other.

Thanks

td