A light dusting of snow as Islay trotted further up Offa's Dyke Path than she's managed for a while. It was really quite beautiful.
I met Jo and Annie (and dog) on their way back to the road. They would have gone further this morning - they do marathons, after all - but they came upon an unexpected obstacle. Someone has put an electric fence right across the path, and sawn down the footpath sign!
Jo and Annie were on their way to phone the National Parks to complain.
Blocking a public right of way is illegal.
I'm assuming this was done by new owners of Boatside Farm - it was up for sale last year - but they must have been aware that a nationally recognised footpath went across the land.
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This issue is far far more important that the "board wars" of old! I think it should get a bit of publicity and hope to hear of more news. We should all rally at the point of the electric fence, all receive electric shocks and then claim damages! Something must be dobe, surely. It's a bullying attitude by whoever has done this and shouldn't be overlooked.
As you say - well almost - they have been aware a national footpath...
It is my lifelong experience that people take the least interest in the detail of their largest purchases and "not knowing" about details of deeds and other matters affecting property is common.
Well, they must have had solicitors and they must have made them aware of the right of way, surely?
And besides that, they must know that it's against the law to prohibit or hinder rights of way?
I really hope something is done about this, although if it gets taken to court, it's us who end up paying!
I saw Annie today at the Wholefood Shop, and she said that one of the National Park Rangers has confronted the farmer.
He claimed that the fence was a temporary measure while he was moving sheep - but he knows the locals are watching him now.
And was sawing down the Offa's Dyke Path sign a temporary measure too?
I don't know what was said about that.
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