Shared path between 3 neighbours

Kim83

We have just looked at a beautiful bungalow. But as a worrier by nature, I am concerned about a private path shared between the three bungalows. 

It's not very well maintained and leads from the street to the park path behind. There are signs in either end to say that it is private and have a padlocked gate on one end. My concern is that if someone trips or falls in it, where does the responsibility land and would we need extra insurance? 

DE_612183

can people walk on it to get somewhere else - or is it just the 3 bungalows that use the path?

Kim83

DE_612183 said:

can people walk on it to get somewhere else - or is it just the 3 bungalows that use the path?

It goes to a public path behind the 3 bungalows, but there is a padlocked gate at one end. However, you can walk down the open end to the gate. There is a raised man hole cover in the middle, so someone could trip in the dark hoping to find their way. 

DE_612183

Kim83 said:

DE_612183 said:

can people walk on it to get somewhere else - or is it just the 3 bungalows that use the path?

It goes to a public path behind the 3 bungalows, but there is a padlocked gate at one end. However, you can walk down the open end to the gate. There is a raised man hole cover in the middle, so someone could trip in the dark hoping to find their way. 

so no one can use the path - if they did they just arrive at a padlocked gate and have to return?

is the gate supposed to be padlocked - or have owners of the bungalows just done that to stop people using the path?

bouicca21

Is it a public path or a right of way for the 3 bungalows?

sheramber

You need to establish who owns the path.

What arrangements are there for upkeep/ repairs? 

Is it officially padlocked or have the bungalow residents done that without authority?

Section62

Kim83 said:

DE_612183 said:

can people walk on it to get somewhere else - or is it just the 3 bungalows that use the path?

It goes to a public path behind the 3 bungalows, but there is a padlocked gate at one end. However, you can walk down the open end to the gate. There is a raised man hole cover in the middle, so someone could trip in the dark hoping to find their way. 

The manhole is in part of the private path between the public path and the locked gate?

What kind of manhole is it, who owns it?  Post a picture if you aren't sure.  The owner of the manhole should make sure it is at the same level as the path +/- a reasonable amount, and if it is a trip hazard then they should get it reset.  However, if the path has subsided significantly then it may be the path owner's responsibility to regrade the path to suit the height of the cover.