Closure of Burton walks
Loughborough MP Andy Reed today welcomed the decision of Leicestershire County Council to keep the Burton Walks footpath open.
On Thursday 15 February the Development and Regulatory Control Board of the County Council considered an application made by Loughborough Endowed Schools for a Gating Order to close a section of footpath K55 for over 180 days per year between 8 15am and 5 30pm. The school asked for a closure due to anti social behaviour taking place in the vicinity of the footpath.
Concerned local residents mounted a campaign to prevent the closure because the Walk is part of their local community and environment.
The meeting on Thursday heard a number of speakers put forward their points of view, some in favour, but the majority opposing the closure. Eight residents groups and individual residents from across Loughborough united in opposition to the closure.
Reed stated “I opposed the closure of Burton Walks even though I am firm in my belief that anti-social behaviour must be overcome. The School has not shown that the greater good would benefit from the local community being deprived of one of the most beautiful walks in Leicestershire”. He added “I am pleased therefore that a good deal of common sense has been applied to this decision”.
County Councillor for the area Cllr Neville Stork also welcomed the decision and stated “it was never a good idea in the first place for the school to argue that closing the footpath will deter the anti social behaviour; if you remove law abiding citizens then you remove a witness”. He added “I am however happy to talk to the school about any ongoing problems and how Officers at Charnwood and County Hall can help”.
Feb 2007
I have added my support to those opposed to the closure of the footpath through Burton Walks. Clearly the Private Grammar School have totally misjudged their neighbours and the reaction from them. I have taken up the matter with Leicestershire County Council and asked them not to close the footpath. have a history of campiagning for the opening of Right of Way - not closing them!
Updated March 2005