VILLAGERS have been left fuming after one neighbour built a giant metal gate and hired security guards to block a shared forest path.
Locals in Cwmparc in Rhondda Valley, South Wales, banded together to protest against the barrier which blocks the route to a beauty spot mountain that hat been used “for generations”.
Locals have protested against a new barrier that blocks the route to a mountain walk[/caption]
David Williams, 49, organised a protest against the gates on Sunday, saying it would be ‘awful’ if locals could no longer use it[/caption]
The neighbour hired security guards to stand by the gate[/caption]
The beloved route is not an official right of way but is described as a “crucial” path to the stunning forestry, beloved by the villagers in the area.
Even the British Mountaineering Council has weighed in on the debate, backing the protesters after their path was slammed shut by the giant black gates.
The path, which links a road to the forestry, is private property and was blocked off earlier this month after the homeowner erected a giant gate.
In addition to the protest, locals have also launched a petition against the block which has been supported by politicians.
Their protest at the weekend saw them brave horrific weather conditions in a bid to try and make their voices heard.
David Williams, 49, said: “The road has been used for access and enjoyment for 80 years I would say, if not longer.
“It will be awful if people can’t use it anymore.”
David had organised the protest on Sunday where more than 70 villagers came together in the pouring rain.
He explained that if there had been more time to arrange the protest, there would have been an even greater turnout.
David added that if the weather had been less foul, and if there had perhaps not been a weather warning, numbers would have also been higher.
However, the 49-year-old highlighted that despite these awful conditions and lack of timing, a solid number of protesters still turned out to try and protect their access to the path.
He said how he has lived in the area his whole life and that himself, his parents, grandparents, family and friends have always had access to the mountain.
The group’s petition has gained more than 3,000 signatures as locals call for the route to be designated as a right of way.
The British Mountaineering Council said: “For generations, this path has linked the village with surrounding woodlands and mountain trails, serving as a crucial route for recreation, mental well-being, and active travel.
“Now, a petition is underway to restore public access and safeguard the track for the future generations to come.
“The community was shocked when large gates were erected to block the pathway, despite its historical use.”
Protesters unfurl their sign at the gate on Sunday[/caption]
The route is not designated as an official right of way[/caption]
Villagers gathering to protest its construction[/caption]
They added: “Residents initially reported and removed the barriers, only for the landowner to reinstate them – this time with CCTV cameras and hired security guards, clearly designed to intimidate those seeking to use this route.
“The alternative route forces locals to take a lengthy detour on high-traffic roads, making access to the trails impractical for many.”
A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “We are aware of an access issue to the forest road at Cwmparc.
“We’ve been contacted by a number of concerned people from the local community.
“We are currently looking into our legal position on this and will provide an update as soon as we have more information.”
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council confirmed that the road the gates were placed on is not a registered public right of way.
They said: “The gates are within permitted development heights and are on private land.”
Some of the protesters with their sign[/caption]
The gate being constructed[/caption]
The path links a road to the forestry[/caption]
