Twenty years of bitter dispute could end with a ruling over a footpath above Pandy in the famous Ceiriog valley.
The footpath, Glyntraian Footpath no. 39, clearly shown on the definitive map of paths, provides walkers with superb views across the Ceiriog valley. The path passes through Caedicws Farm, now owned by the Morris family who have worked the farm since the 1980s. For years walkers have testified to the abuse, obstruction and open hostility they have met with from the Morris family when attempting to use the footpath.
In 1986 when John Robinson, then Ramblers' Association footpath secretary and a resident of Pontfadog, tried to walk along the path he was attacked and bitten by the Caedicws farm dog.
Recently the Morris family called for the footpath to be deleted but following a public inquiry held in the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern, it was concluded there was no evidence to suggest an error had occurred when the footpath was put on the definitive map in the early 1950s. John Robinson said, "Its taken twenty years but the inspector's ruling means that walkers can now enjoy this walk without fear of trespassing."
Ron Williams who presented the case for the Ramblers' Association said "The footpath network is an important asset; it enables the public to walk and enjoy the countryside." He went on to say, "In the past, despite the evidence of the definitive map neither the old Clwyd highway authority, nor in recent years, the Wrexham highway authority, have been prepared to ensure the footpath was open. It remains to be seen if the Wrexham County Borough Council will now assert the rights of the public to use and enjoy this footpath."
Also opposing the deletion were Goff Oldacre for the Ceiriog Valley Partnership and Howard White.
