One-time computer programmer Steve Saunders is set to keep a watchful eye on Wellington’s 35 legal rights of way after taking over the role of parish paths liaison officer (PPLO) from Tom Borg.

Steve moved to Wellington from Buckinghamshire after retiring almost five years ago and soon discovered The Basins, joining the volunteer group of which he is now treasurer.

He is fascinated by the history of Tonedale Mill and its water systems, and has become involved with the Transition Town group and is especially interested in the future of Fox’s Field. He also joined the Wellington u3a, of which he is currently membership secretary, to take part in the walking groups.

Steve said: “Walking the area you realise that Somerset has an amazing network of footpaths, so I applied for the PPLO post to learn about, and support, our local paths.

“Tom seems to have done all the hard work setting up various systems, and I am happy to take them over while discovering what I have let myself in for.”

Tom Borg volunteered for the role of PPLO five years ago following a brief spell with Wellington in Bloom. He has kept an eye on rights of way with his wife and volunteers. He has reported to four different county officers who have all been supportive of issues identified.

One example of the kind of work Tom has been doing is at West Deane Way, part of which runs from R W Gale’s offices westward to the River Tone. A gate and a raised and surfaced path have been created to replace a high stile and a path which regularly flooded.

A spokesperson for Wellington Town Council said: “We are extremely grateful for all the hard work Tom Borg has put in over the last five years, keeping the town council updated on the condition of the town’s footpaths and the work of the volunteers.”

Tom Borg will continue to volunteer for the county on Ease of Access surveys, which can take him anywhere along Somerset West and Taunton Council and Sedgemoor paths, looking for missing signs, blockages and the occasional electric fence.

He will also keep a watching brief on Grand Western Canal and enjoy monthly waterbird counting for the British Ornothological Society.