A PETITION signed by almost 800 residents to reopen a Lechlade footpath appears to have been ignored.

In last week’s Standard, Gloucestershire County Council, on the instruction of the planning inspectorate, gave notice that the “temporary” path closure, which has been in force for nearly seven years, is to continue for a further 12 months.

The Bowmoor path is closed because the developer, Lakes by Yoo, have requested this continued stoppage in the “interest of public safety” during construction work.

At the moment, this construction work consists of the building of a small bridge and the fitting out of three lodges. Not the type of activity that could put walkers at risk or warrants the path to be closed.

My view is that this is not about public safety but is because Lakes by Yoo do not want the public to use this path either now or in the future. This right of way runs past some of the lodges on the estate that is promoted as being private and a gated community, in other words, an environment that is not open to the public nor walkers passing through.

Ramblers and local residents are only wanting to exercise their right to use this path that provides a pleasant and attractive walk around Bowmoor Lake.

RICHARD HOLMES

Footpath Secretary

Cirencester Ramblers