A FOOTPATH in Welshpool was erroneously labelled as being outside public access as a result of some signs being placed along the route by Powys County Council.
The Welshpool route, commonly known as the Wiggly Path, became the subject of debate on May 21 after signs appeared, telling residents the site was now managed by Powys County Council and that public access to the footpath was prohibited.
The route, which runs alongside the boundary to the now-closed Ardwyn School, links to the Red Bank area of the town.
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Powys Council proposed closing the path in 2017, citing safety concerns at the school, but were met with pushback from residents who organised a chain-link protest as part of a demonstration to show support for the path.
The authority eventually made a U-turn and decided to keep the path open with improved boundary fences.
Local councillor Graham Breeze, who was among the protestors in 2017, took to social media to encourage Powys County Council to rethink the sign decision.
He said: “Looks like we may have to do this all over again if we are to keep the Wiggly Path open after Powys County Council erected signs saying "keep out".
“We won this battle back in 2017 and I will be urging PCC to rethink this move.
“This path has been a valuable link from the town to Red Bank for over 60 years.”
Cllr Breeze later provided an update, stating that Powys Council had announced that the signage blocking public access on the footpath was an error.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The council is taking steps to secure the former Ardwyn Nursey School site while the site is being decommissioned and to ensure that public safety is being maintained during this process.
“The council recognises that many residents use this path from the town to Red Bank and no physical barriers have been placed to prevent access to the path. However, the path is not recorded as a public right of way.
“The future of the site will be decided in accordance with the council’s Corporate Asset Policy.”
Cllr Breeze stated he was “delighted” at the news.
He added: “Now we need to ensure the path becomes a right of way by applying for a definitive map modification.”
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