A Burntwood councillor has warned residents that time is running out to prevent the permanent closure of a public footpath.
The No 15 path runs from the A5190 Cannock Road, near its junction with Plant Lane, through the industrial estate to Cobbett Road and beyond.
Although the construction of industrial units has restricted the use of the footpath, a number of local residents have raised concerns about the plan to close the route permanently.
And Labour’s representative for Chase Terrace, Cllr Sue Woodward, has urged residents to raise objections about the proposals with Staffordshire County Council before the deadline at the end of June.
“I was surprised to find out that the closure of this footpath was discussed at Staffordshire County Council as far back as January,” she said. “Apparently, informal consultation had taken place beforehand but neither local residents, nor local district and town councillors were informed.
“I believe that the County Council simply wanted this footpath to die a death. They own the land, they are responsible for its upkeep and yet over the years they have built over it without proper diversions and have allowed it to become so overgrown that only hardy walkers or cyclists can use it.
“Public footpaths and rights of way are greatly valued across the UK and there has been real success over recent years in opening up access so this is, I believe, a retrograde step. Besides, in an age when we are trying to encourage people to take more exercise, public rights of way should be enhanced, not closed.”
The proposal to close the route will be discussed at Burntwood Town Council’s planning committee meeting on June 28, but residents are being urged by Cllr Woodward to submit their objections before then.
Objections can be sent to
The Director of Law & Governance
Staffordshire County Council,
2 Staffordshire Place,
Stafford.
