Overview
Scottish Borders Council (the Council) built a new footpath adjacent to the complainant (Mrs C)'s property. Mrs C complained that the position of this footpath had adversely affected her privacy by directing pedestrians onto the land in front of her house.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council built a footpath adjacent to Mrs C's property which directed pedestrians onto her land (upheld); and
- (b) the Council's response to Mrs C's complaint about this was inadequate (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council
- (i) apologise to Mrs C and her husband for not consulting with them about the impact of the new footpath on their privacy; and
- (ii) ensure that there is appropriate consultation with residents likely to be affected by 'Safer Routes to School' projects.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.