Path leads to split opinion

A village heritage group has launched a petition opposing plans to close a section of an historic footpath.

The path, along the River Trent at North Muskham, had been closed to the public for 50 years, but was unblocked early last year after a public inquiry.

The inquiry confirmed the existence of an old carriage road — Ferry Road — that runs beside the river from the old ferry crossing near the Muskham Ferry pub to the village’s Lake View development.

Evidence of another road, called Trent Ford Road, was also confirmed.

But Nottinghamshire County Council is now considering closing the path to the public after objections to its opening by some residents.

The council also says most of Trent Ford Road is under water and impassable.

A member of Muskham Heritage Group, Mr Bill Pointer, said: “A lot of people in the community fought very hard to open Ferry Road and Trent Ford Road.

“It is an historic crossing point. It has been used as a path for hundreds of years and it is thought it is where people used to exchange salt many years ago.

“The county council wants to close it and some people in the village are upset about that.”

Mr Pointer, of The Park, North Muskham, said the group worked hard to secure a case to open the path.

“It’s part of the village’s historic heritage,” he said.

The county council’s principal legal officer, Mr Steven Eastwood, said they were trying to resolve the issue and there would be a period of consultation.

He said: “We have been trying to progress this issue so local residents are happy with this area.

“Some people have objected to it remaining open, whereas some say they should have a right to walk there. It’s their legal entitlement.”

Mr Eastwood said because most of Trent Ford Road was under water it needed to be closed to the public.

He said: “It doesn’t really serve a purpose any more. It doesn’t lead to anywhere where you can’t get to by other routes.”

Mr Eastwood wrote to villagers asking for their views but received only a small number of responses, so he urged people to make their feelings known through North Muskham Parish Council.

“What we want to do is make sure we have got the right provision and everyone is happy,” he said.