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Nick Harvey MPStanding up for North Devon since 1992 |
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MP backs County Council calls to re-open Park access road
December 15, 2008 12:36 PM
North Devon MP Nick Harvey is strongly supporting Devon County Council's action to re-open the pedestrian link from Barnstaple's Victoria Road to Rock Park in front of Rock Park Terrace.
"The entrance to this short section of road was barricaded several months ago" commented Nick Harvey, "diverting would-be Rock Park users from directly accessing the Park and forcing them to use the much more dangerous entrance off Taw Vale."
County Councillor Chris Haywood (Lib Dem, Barnstaple South) has been working with the County Footpaths and Rights of Way officers to establish that a legal "right of way" exists in front of Rock Park Terrace.
"Rock Park Terrace was built in 1881" said Cllr Chris Haywood, "but it is only in the last few months that pedestrian access has become an issue. For many years the road was open to traffic at each end, but for safety reasons, bollards were erected at one end in the 1980's when the ornate lighting columns were renovated. Many residents, some of whole have spent a life-time living in Newport, have told me that they can never remember the access being closed before, and this leads me to believe that a 'right of way exists' due to it continual usage for more than a century."
"We have tried to negotiate with the landowner responsible for the fencing as we feel we must, but the case has now moved on to preparing a case that can be presented in Court. If anyone else can contribute any documents, photographs or any other evidence to support our contention that the public have an established right of way over this land, please contact me on Barnstaple 375121 or the County Council's Rights of Way team on 0845 155 1004."
Nick Harvey concluded "Having young children myself I can well understand the frustration that people must feel in seeing this safe access to the Park blocked in this cavalier way. Unfortunately when negotiations fail, the onus then falls on the County Council to compile the evidence needed and that takes time and greatly increases the cost to the Council Tax payer in pursuing the claim. If you can help in that process, please contact Chris Haywood or the County Council as soon as possible."
ENDS
Further Information: Cllr Chris Haywood (01271) 375121
Brian Macbeth (Nick Harvey's Office) 01271 328631
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