Conservative council suggest blocking off footpath

11.26.00am GMT Thu 1st Mar 2007

Councillor Matthew Bedford wants to see the County Council improve this path, not close it

Abbots Langley councillor Matthew Bedford has hit out at a suggestion that the path from the High Street to Parsonage Close should be closed. The path, which runs between Margaret House and Abbots Langley School, has been open for more than 20 years and therefore can become a public right of way.

Matthew contacted the County Council asking for the path to be cleaned and lit. Their response was that the path had never been intended for public use and that it might be a good idea to close the path.

Matthew said, "I am appalled and angered by the suggestion that this path might be closed. The only alternative access, other than through the churchyard, is via the High Street and Abbots Road - a distance of 1.25 km (over ¾ mile) !

"The path must remain open and the County Council should urgently fulfil its responsibilities to light the path and make it safe".