Railing blocks ancient Cannock road way
The entrance to an ancient road which has existed for hundreds of years has been blocked off by developers who are building a row of shops nearby, residents claim.
The right of way, known as Fiesty Lane on old Ordnance Survey maps, is one of the oldest in Cannock, Staffordshire, and appears on post-medieval maps.
Contractor Nick Wightman, of Liverpool-based Redsun Developments, claims they were asked by Cannock Chase Council to erect the timber knee railing.
The foot-high railing appears to bar access to the historic pathway on the A34 Stafford Road. Residents and the Friends of Cannock Park are dismayed at the move and describe the rail, around 16ft long, as an 'encroachment' saying it does not appear on the planning application for the new site.
Friends chairwoman Christine Salmon said: "This is a very old lane, part of the Manor of Cannock and one of the original roads in Cannock.
"We've been researching it for years and last year managed to get it included in the monument records. This is why people are so upset.
"We also love it because of the wildlife along its route which is lined with oak trees all the way up to Shoal Hill. We have been fighting to get the lane restored and for signage to be put up, pointing out its historic roots. Now it looks as though it has been sectioned off.
"If this fence had appeared in the plans we would have objected."
Cannock Chase Council's economic development manager Clem Watson said: "The council is aware of the situation and is investigating."
Redsun said the knee-high rail had been erected outside the parade of shops currently being built.
"The council asked us to extend the rail across the entrance of the path but obviously we can remove it if they want us to," said Mr Wightman.
