It is not permissible to alter the route or the status of a public right of way unless the requisite formal procedure has been carried out, although land-owners quite often do make unofficial changes which have no lawful basis.

If anybody wishes to divert or extinguish a right of way, they must apply to the appropriate authority. In Suffolk, most changes are carried out by the district councils -see details below - but the County Council can also make the necessary arrangements.

When an authority receives an application, it engages in a wide-ranging consultation before deciding whether or not to take any further action. The Suffolk RA local footpath secretaries team scrutinises all proposals very carefully before giving an opinion. Alternatives to the original proposals can be put forward.

If the authority thinks the proposed change is a reasonable one, it must publish and advertise the necessary order. Provided that there are no objections within the time allowed, the authority brings the change into effect by confirming the order. If there are objections, these are dealt with by an independent inspector - usually at a public inquiry.

The Suffolk `order-making' authorities are Ipswich Borough Council, the West Suffolk, Mid-Suffolk, East Suffolk and Babergh District Councils and the County Council.