A row has blown up over a long-used Church Stretton footpath that walkers found suddenly closed off with a six-foot high padlocked gate.
The path runs between Shrewsbury Road and Madeira Walk past the Denehurst Court retirement development. This is operated by management company Peverel Retirement who closed the path.
“They did this without any notice to local residents in the most high-handed fashion,” said Madeira Walk resident Glen Armstrong.
“In addition to the significant inconvenience already being experienced by local residents, it raises a particular safety issue which will be heightened when the children return to school.”
“The path is extensively used by pupils at the schools avoiding having to use the lower end of Carding Mill Valley Road which has no footpath and is extremely dangerous to pedestrians,” added Mr Armstrong.
A petition started by townspeople opposing the closure already has around 60 names.
Mr Armstrong added: “My understanding is that Shropshire Council would require the path to be upgraded before they will accept responsibility or it may qualify as a public right of way under the 20 year rule.”
“In the interim, we would happily continue to use the path without upgrading, as has been done for many decades.”
Resident Jean Black said the path had existed for at least 40 years. It was made by the then owner of the former Denehurst Hotel – now Denehurst Lodge – so that he could walk from there to his own house.
“My children used it years ago to get to school. I use it now to go to the swimming pool. I think this is a health and safety thing. Peverel’s are worried about being sued if someone falls.”
Spokesman Rebecca Bridle from Peverel Retirement said: “As the managing agent, we can confirm that on August 2 the footpath running alongside Denehurst Court was closed due to health and safety reasons.
“The footpath is not a public right of way and is owned by the landlord of Denehurst Court – Fairhold Homes Ltd.”
“The (Denehurst) Residents Association’s request to close the path was supported by the landlord. Peverel has written to all relevant local bodies, including the council and schools, to advise them of the closure. Options are now being considered between Denehurst residents, the landlord and Peverel Retirement” she added.
Mat Stephens, definitive map review officer at Shropshire Council, said: “We have had complaints about the footpath being closed and we are currently investigating if it can be declared as a right of way or not.”