Anger at gates blocking short cut

Eight-foot high gates blocking a short cut in the centre of a Staffordshire town are causing anger among residents. The metal gates with a sign saying "Private Road No Public Right of Way" are blocking the path in Rugeley.

It is known locally as the "back way", and goes behind the back of homes in Market Street. Len Evans, aged 82, of Market Street, said they were put up without his knowledge but when he complained, he was given the gate combination by Staffordshire Properties so he could get access to park his car in his garage.

He said: "I'm still not happy. If I could afford it I would cut them down into little pieces and take it to the scrapyard, but, as that would be criminal, I can't."

According to Mr Evans' deeds he has right of access to the pathway and objects to the situation because of the inconvenience of having to continually lock and unlock the gate and walk round to the house if he wished to use the car.

He added other Rugeley residents and postmen also used to use it as a short cut.

Cannock Chase Council is unsure who owns the land and is making inquiries to establish who is responsible for it and is hoping a planning application will be lodged so talks can take place with whoever put up the gates.

Councillor Pat Williams, a Rugeley town councillor, said that she and other members of the town council had received complaints from residents but was not certain if it was a public right of way.

She said: "The eight-foot high fencing should have had planning permission. We are investigating the situation as local councillors."

A spokesman from Cannock Council said: "We can confirm that we are looking into it. The gates do require planning permission and we have invited a planning application. There is an issue about land ownership which we intend to resolve when we get the planning application."