North Bradley football footpath closure
Wiltshire Council has agreed to close a short length of footpath which crosses part of the area used by Trowbridge Town Football Club. Although the path doesn't cross the pitch itself the club are concerned about dog fouling in the area, and about repeated vandalism. Closing the public right of way should allow them to increase the security of the site. Walkers will be able to use a slightly longer route along Woodmarsh and Axe and Cleaver Lane to get to the same destination.
During the recent consultation on the proposals there were a couple of objections, but the Parish Council and most respondents were in support.
A representations from local councillor Francis Moreland about the way the process was handled the closure meant the closure was looked at by the Environment committee on Thursday Aug 30. However the difficulties had by then been resolved so the committee took no action. It was though announced by the cabinet member Dick Tonge that there would be a further delay as the council had lost some paperwork, though he didn't expect this to cause a significant hold-up, and the decision should be formally ratifies on September 13th.
The next stage will be for Wiltshire Council to take the proposal to the Magistrates Court. WC says it will continue to fund the process unless there are complications adding to the expense, in which case the Football Club will be asked to contribute.