Villagers protest new gates blocking access to Cwmparc Forest, a route used for decades. A petition gains 3000+ signatures.
Villagers used this path for decades. Dog walkers, cyclists, and horse riders used it too. Even local schools enjoyed access. The gates caused an uproar this month because they blocked the forest path.
Complaints led to gate removal for review. Officials investigated access rights promptly. The council confirmed the gates were private and the route was not a public right of way.
The gates were put back in place later. Security guards then protected them, seemingly stopping people from reaching the path. About fifty people marched on Sunday, wanting the gates removed quickly.
Lynette Pyer, age eighty, attended and pleaded for gate access. “Leave them open!” she said out loud. People waited in the rain for hours, cold and soaking wet.
Richard Clarke organized the protest group and spoke through a Ring doorbell. He said fifty walkers were on the mountain. Conditions worsened as time wore on, and an emergency situation seemed close.
Clarke requested the gates be opened. A voice responded through the doorbell, saying, “Please leave. This is private property.”
The road stayed blocked, upsetting people.
The double gates block a mountain road that leads to the Cwmparc Forest, which Natural Resources Wales manages. The council says the gates are permitted, as they are on private land, seemingly.
Julie Godfrey, 55, who has lived there for forty years felt lost. She can’t understand the homeowner’s action and wonders why they snub the local community now.
Julie attended the protest that day, which means a lot to her. She takes photos on the mountain, and her kids used to play there. It is key to the community’s health, and she thinks someone damaged community well-being.
The protestors were asked to leave shortly and left, feeling quite dejected. A petition requesting forest access has gotten over 3,000 signatures so far.