Plans to close a footpath allegedly used as a rabbit-run getaway by criminals on a town estate have been dealt a blow, after council and social housing officials were unable to trace the owner of the land.
Residents in Ditherington have called for part of the footpath between the railway line and Wingfield Gardens to be blocked off after claims it was being used ‘inappropriately. Councillor Alan Mosley, who represents the ward, said he believed the area was used as an escape route by criminals and has started making investigations into what action can be taken.
But hopes of a swift solution have been dashed after both Shropshire Council and Severnside Housing officials insisted they were not responsible for the upkeep or use of the path. It is understood the path is unregistered and currently cannot be closed.
Council staff plan to work with West Mercia Police to identify problems and seek a solution, but no timescale has been put on the project.
Councillor Mosley said: “The footpath is well used by pupils walking to and from the infant and junior schools in Mount Pleasant and we don’t want to stop them from using it. But there is part of the path that’s sometimes open to misuse, with people acting inappropriately using it as an escape route.
“I have received a number of requests from people in that part of Wingfield Gardens and also in Wingfield Close for that stretch of path to be blocked off so it cannot be used as a shortcut, and I’m taking the issue up with Shropshire Council.”
Rian Huxley, press spokesperson for Shropshire Council, said: “The alley leading from the railway line and Wingfield Close is not currently registered as a right of way and as such, Shropshire Council does not have powers to close it to the public.
“The council’s community working team will liaise with the local police and Councillor Mosley to identify any incidents of anti-social behaviour and investigate ways to prevent such activity.”
Brigid Burbridge, head of legal services at Severnside Housing, said: “We looked into the ownership of this piece of land following a query during one of our estate walkabouts.
“Having checked the records, it is clear that this land is not owned by Severnside. The land is unregistered and we do not have details of who the legal owner is.”