Council chairman wants to to block way to towpath

A COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, Colin Ray, has received planning permission to erect a house extension blocking a footpath.

With a ferocious row erupting as it blocks the way onto the Stratford Canal towpath.

Villagers at Wilmcote are furious at the blockage of a public right-of-way that has existed for over a century.

Through driveway

The footpath, known officially as AL79, passes through the Rays' driveway, beside their home and through a gate to the rear of the property. It goes between the Rays' property and an annex they rent out as accommodation, then follows the edge of their land.

Then It joins the towpath of the Stratford Canal, with walkers able to loop back to the village or head towards another village. Walkers can then loop back into Wilmcote or continue towards Stratford on the towpath.

If the footpath is blocked, walkers would need to use a spur path that runs through three private gardens before emerging further onto the path.

Strong objections

Neighbours have voiced strong objections to the plans, with Parish Councillor Sarah Hession expressing disappointment that Ray hadn't highlighted the application to fellow council members, telling:

"Ignoring the extenuation of a public footpath to suit one resident is in my opinion morally wrong."

Sheila Rose of the Ramblers Association member for 40 years, complained:

"We just can't understand why the chairman of the parish council is applying to do something like this."

Warwickshire County Council confirmed they objected to the proposal to extinguish part of Footpath AL79.

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, local authorities can make orders to divert public rights of way if shown on the  definitive map as either a footpath or bridleway, but cannot just extinguish.