Row over access to Rock Park path

A BID to see a six-foot barrier removed from a disputed access to Rock Park in Barnstaple has crossed political boundaries. Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups are trying to gather evidence to show whether a short stretch of road at Rock Par

A BID to see a six-foot barrier removed from a disputed access to Rock Park in Barnstaple has crossed political boundaries.Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups are trying to gather evidence to show whether a short stretch of road at Rock Park Terrace on the corner of Victoria Road and Taw Vale is a public right of way.In the year or so since a private landowner put up the fencing, say both groups, they have been approached by disgruntled local people adamant the road has been a pedestrian link for years and calling for it to be reinstated.North Devon's Lib-Dem MP Nick Harvey and Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Philip Milton have asked the public to complete Devon County Council forms to show how long they have used land as an access.If it can be proved people have used the access for 20 years or more it is possible for it to become a right of way.Mr Milton, who is working with district councillor for Newport John Mathews to canvass public opinion, said:"This was a public right of way for as long as anyone can remember."Nick Harvey said the barrier forced park users into using the "dangerous" entrance off Taw Vale instead.Barnstaple County Councillor Chris Haywood said he has been working with county Footpaths and Rights of Way officers to establish that a legal "right of way" exists in front of the terrace. The Gazette tried to contact the landowner but was told they did not wish to comment.