Popular path stays on track (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Popular path stays on track

A POPULAR path through the Bathurst Estate near Cirencester will remain on its present course.

Cotswold District Council had tried to move the historic bridle-path along the south side of Pinbury Park in Duntisbourne Rouse to another route.

But following complaints by local activists a Government minister has ruled the path should remain.

Allan Blackley, appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, opposed the proposal, despite the wishes of CDC which was trying to improve the privacy and security of tenants living on the Bathurst Estate.

Cotswold walkers Brenda Vines and Roger Clare were the most vociferous when it came to opposing the move.

Brenda, who has walked in the area for more than 30 years, said: "I am delighted this beautiful bridle-path has been saved for future generations.

"The proposed path didn't present a fair alternative to the ancient track which is now used - the lovely view of Pinbury Park's old Cotswold stone buildings, in their landscape setting, would be lost."

Gerry Stewart, who is a member of the Open Spaces Society, added: "This is a just outcome to an order that should never have been made by CDC.

"The inspector has balanced the personal interests of the occupier of Pinbury Park, who sought more privacy in an already quiet and secluded spot, against the public who have used the route for centuries and wish to continue the quiet enjoyment of an ancient way in a corner of vernacular Cotswold countryside."

The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 and is Britain's oldest national conservation body.

It campaigns to protect common land, village greens and public paths. In his report Mr Blackley noted: "It seems to me that it would be a very substantial reduction in enjoyment of a noted monument if the bridle-path was to be moved to a line which allows little more than distant and occasional glimpses of Pinbury's attraction."

o Pinbury Park played a pivotal role in the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and was once occupied by Ernest and Sidney Barnsley and Ernest Gimson.

It is a Grade II* listed property of historic and architectural interest.