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The Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way is a register and description of all known public rights of way in the borough with the exception of the South Shields excluded area. There are a number of ways to alter the map and statement to add, divert or extinguish public rights of way, through legal orders.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the surveying authority must have a Definitive Map Modification Order Register. The register must be available in paper and electronic form, and the electronic version must be available on the website.

A Definitive Map Modification Order places a public right of way, which already exists, on the ground on to the Definitive Map and Statement. It does not alter the status of the path or create a route where none previously existed (this is done through other types of order). A Definitive Map Modification Order can be made by Â鶹ÊÓƵ either on its own initiative or following an application to the council.