Footpath removal is 'betrayal', say campaigners
A house builder has "betrayed" residents by building over a footpath, denying them picturesque walks in Shrewsbury.
Residents and civic leaders have hit out at Bovis Homes for building over a path at the Oteley Road development, stopping people from being able to walk along towards Bayston Hill quarry.
Before the development of the site started, two public paths existed there, but the house builder closed off both pathways in September last year, with no alternative provided.
Councillors say that Bovis Homes promised that this was a temporary measure, and that they would provide an alternative public pathway by the end of November.
However, no new path has materialised.
An alternative pathway was finally opened at the end of February this year, but it wasn't passable for most people because a long stretch of it was under water.
Bovis Homes have now announced their intention to build a house across this footpath, meaning it will be permanently closed.
Sutton and Reabrook councillor Tony Parsons said: “This action deprives local people of their right to access the natural beauty of the Quarry walk.
"I do not think that Bovis Homes have been honest with us about this, I demand that they sort this matter out immediately. We had two public pathways, and both have now been closed."
Bovis Homes have been approached for a comment.
