Protestors form human chain along threatened path

Protestors tonight lined Welshpool’s “Wiggly Path” annoyed at a Powys County Council proposal to close the route through Ardwyn Nursery & Infants School.

Earlier this month it was revealed that due to child safety concerns, the whole school campus would be closed off to the public, which meant the end of access to a path that has been used as a shortcut to town for more than 60 years.

But following lots of chatter on social media objectors answered a call from resident Alan Crowe and turned out tonight to form a human chain line along the path in a bid to keep it open.

"It was a really good turn out and the overall message was clear that people want this path to stay open. A big thank-you to those who turned up to support," said Mr Crowe.

Previously it was reported that the path will need to close because: “Issues have been raised that members of the public use the Ardwyn School grounds, not only during out of school hours, but also during school hours, especially dog walkers, creating very real safeguarding issue, which was of significant concern to staff, parents, pupils, governors and wider members of the community.”

But the decision was met by considerable anger from residents who believe the alternative of using the Red Bank road is far too dangerous, especially for people pushing prams.

Now Powys County Council will look at ways to keep Welshpool's famous path open when it secures the Ardwyn School campus.

County Councillor Graham Breeze met the protestors and said he was asking council officers to examine ways of keeping the path open while at the same time improving safety issues for pupils.

"I have had a meeting with Gareth Jones, Interim Head of School Services, and he has visited the site. He has agreed to investigate alternatives that would meet the increasing needs of both the school and the Welshpool public who have used this route for over 50 years.

"The safeguarding of school pupils must come first but I am confident a compromise can be found which will meet the demands of the school governors and staff along with those who regularly use the pathway," he added.