‘Do they know how much they’re irritating people?’ (From Warrington Guardian)

‘Do they know how much they’re irritating people?’

3:17pm Thursday 18th December 2008 in Stretton By Miranda Newey

ENGLISH Partnerships has said it ploughed a field at Stretton to prevent further trespass, according to a letter sent to a parish council.

As previously reported in the Warrington Guardian, residents were alarmed to see the land at Stretton and stretching to Pewterspear Green, Appleton, that they had enjoyed walking across for many years had been churned up.

Since the field was ploughed, signs have been placed at the location, stating: ‘Private land. No public access or right of way’.

Residents have contacted the Guardian over English Partnerships’ actions.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Perhaps I’m seeing a conspiracy where there isn’t one and am just getting annoyed with the pettiness, but it all seems so unnecessary. “As far I’m aware, unless a path is walked for 20 years without interference from the landowner it can’t legally become a footpath – so what is English Partnerships up to, what are they worried about to go to all this expense? “And do they realise how much they are inconveniencing and irritating local folk?”

Stockton Heath Parish Council’s clerk Peter Briggs read a letter to councillors from English Partnerships at the meeting on December 9.

The letter confirmed that the action was taken for health and safety reasons to prevent claims being made against the owners.

Clr Peter Walker (LD - St Thomas) suggested that the move had made the land more dangerous.

The field has been earmarked for development in 2016 but a spokesman for English Partnerships said the land may be let to farmers in the area.