Walkers angered by sudden closure of footpath

Nailsea residents are worried it could lead to walkers being forced to use a "dangerous and congested" road

People have been left "sad and angry" after the sudden closure of a "much-loved" footpath.

The Nailsea path, which connects Backwell Lake to The Perrings in the North Somerset town, has been used by locals and visitors for years but was fenced off on 27 July.

Patricia Gilbert, who set up the town's Nordic Walking Group, said the path's closure had angered a lot of people and created "a big sense of loss".

North Somerset Council said it believed it owned the path and did not know who had closed it. It is applying to the Land Registry to officially register the land, adding it is "committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible".

Local residents said they believed the path may have been closed by a private landowner, while North Somerset Council said it was "likely that our application to the Land Registry will be opposed by another party".

Residents said that without the path, walkers - many who use it to get to the railway station and schools - would be forced to use Station Road, which Ms Gilbert described as "dangerous and congested".

She said her group had been meeting for about 10 years and walked every week.

"We would generally walk from the centre of Nailsea out to Backwell Lake and do a circular walk," she said.

"It's our favourite circuit. We'd go down there and chat - and it's very accessible to those using wheelchairs.

"I know people love it and people are feeling deprived."

Patricia Gilbert set up a Nordic Walking group that has been using the path for years

On 11 August about 150 people assembled on Backwell's lakeside to protest the path's closure.

Antony Evans, chair of Nailsea Action Group, which aims to promote and protect Nailsea's rural settings, said: "There's a lot of distress about this path that's been used by people like me for over 40 years.

"It's widely used by commuters and schoolchildren - it's safe and off the road.

"It's not an essential route but it's yet another concession of access to open space - it's one of the nicer places to go."

The path links Backwell Lake to The Perrings in Nailsea and was closed at the end of July

Town clerk and chief executive officer at Nailsea Town Council, Jo Duffy, added: "This footpath has been part of daily life for so many people.

"Blocking it off affects not just walkers, but everyone who values easy access to our green spaces.

"We urge residents to help protect this route by completing the Public Right of Way User Evidence Form.

"Every form submitted strengthens the case for keeping the path open."

North Somerset Council said that if its application to the Land Registry is opposed, the Land Registry is "expected to follow the procedures set out in its Practice Guide 37 (Objections and Disputes)".

A spokesperson added: "This process may ultimately lead to the matter being referred to a tribunal.

"At this stage, the matter is out of our hands, and we are awaiting further communication from the Land Registry."