WORK is ongoing to remove an “illegal” fence which has blocked a popular footpath used by local residents at Appleton, Warrington, for more than 20 years.
The metal fence has appeared on a footpath between Longwood Road and Lyons Lane in Appleton, which is under the ownership of the Woodland Trust, who aware of the issue and working to resolve it along with Warrington Borough Council, in a bid to make it a public right of way.
Once concerned resident who contacted Warrington Worldwide said: “This footpath is very heavily used, and enjoyed by many local residents and their families on a daily basis and has been for more than 20 years. This footpath also provides a key link for children learning to cycle and to avoid the busy main road on their way to our local beauty spot at the Dingle woodland area.
“Now one resident has permanently closed the footpath by erecting a permanent metal fence across the full width of the footpath. This is 1.2m high and has been smothered with black anti- climb grease/paint. This paint/grease will never dry and is dangerous to some animals and almost impossible to remove from skin/clothing. The resident has placed a sign explaining this is his property, which is incorrect. This path is owned and managed by Woodland Trust.
“The fence was erected last year by the owner of the property, but Woodland Trust, as owner of the land, served notice on the resident to remove the fence. Although he removed 1 panel only, to allow passage, the rest of the fence remained in place. Unfortunately, the resident has now replaced the final panel again which has permanently closed the footpath again. This is an illegal closure as he does not own the land.
“There are many similar footpaths around the Appleton area. It would be a great shame if residents chose to close these footpaths to the detriment of local residents and young families wishing to enjoy our beautiful environment.
“I would call on all local residents to become involved to ensure the removal of this illegal fence and to prevent a repeat of similar fences being erected in the future. Please contact Woodland Trust to register your concerns and to request removal of this illegal fence as soon as possible.”
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest Woodland conservation charity.
Neil Oxley, Woodland Trust site manager, said: “We are aware of this issue and are working with our legal team and neighbour to get the fence removed.”
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The land in question is not a public right of way and is the responsibility of the landowner, the Woodland Trust.
“We are working to secure an agreement with the Woodland Trust to change it to a public footpath.”
4 Comments
If it’s on their land, can’t Woodland Trust just remove it?
ten minutes with an angle grinder job done.
This is the type of thing that infuriates me. It’s illegal so nothing should stop the legitimate owner of the land from removing it and billing the cost to the offending local resident.
Just remove it and stop tip toeing around the issue. It’s illegal. Tear it down and fine the arrogant SOB.