- I too have experienced frustrating obstruction and intransigence from officers of Hampshire County Council

- Over the years I have developed a great respect for the thoroughness and accuracy of Mrs Comber's research and statements

Says James Colbourne

As a one time Ramblers Footpath Secretary, I have frequently had reason to make common cause with Mrs Comber on matters of public access and I too have experienced frustrating obstruction and intransigence from officers of Hampshire County Council.

Many years ago Farnham Ramblers were called upon by our Hampshire colleagues to support them in efforts to open up a blocked public footpath at Frith End. On the face of it, Mrs Comber was the archetypal 'wicked landowner' responsible for obstruction of the path. As confirmed by the resultant Public Inquiry, Mrs Comber was not at fault and this costly and time consuming misunderstanding was caused by the inability of Hampshire's ROW officers to correctly interpret their own Definitive Map.

I am particularly concerned by HCC's unjustifiable response to Mrs Comber's request for the identification of current holders of its Countryside posts because, having seen the original request and follow-up, I would have found that information most useful. Particularly so, I think you will agree, because it will tie in to the CC's now due response to my FOI request of 11 January 2014 with keywords "Statutory duties concerning Hampshire Rights of Way" (of which, I believe, Mrs Comber is at present unaware). This request can be seen on www.whatdotheyknow.com under 'Hampshire County Council' and the above date and Keywords.

May I add that over the years I have developed a great respect for the thoroughness and accuracy of Mrs Comber's research and statements - far greater than for the often rather erratic and dogmatic pronouncements from Winchester that you may well suppose have had something to do with both my successful Ombudsman complaint and with the content of my present FOI request.