A CONTROVERSIAL decision last Wednesday (September 13) over a ‘dangerous’ entrance to a dog-walking field in Tutshill, near Chepstow, could lead to legal action the Review has learned.

Miss Shirley’s Grove is owned by the Tidenham War Memorial Hall and Recreation Trust (TWMHRT) and maintained, under a custodial agreement, by Tidenham Parish Council.

According to chair of the parish council Cllr John Powell: “The decision of the council was not to block up an entrance, it was to repair a fence that had been vandalised a few years ago. We’ve been told by Gloucestershire Highways that this unofficial entrance is dangerous.

“People who are using it are foolish, as exposed tree roots are slippery and they could injure themselves. They are also unwittingly agreeing with vandalism and should use it with that in mind. Dogs and their walkers will get the benefit of walking the extra 100 metres to the official entrance.”

But according to trustee of TWMHRT and former parish councillor, Andy Hossack, the council has no right to block an entrance that has become popular with local walkers over a number of years.

“The trust is very disappointed with this decision and we are taking legal advice. This is not parish council land and the council has absolutely no management rights over it. This decision was taken on a vote by just three councillors,” he said.

The dog-walking field was gifted to the people of the parish by local resident Miss Cicely Shirley. Cllr Powell said: “It was a magnificent gesture to give away part of her property for the enjoyment of the community.

When the parish council took over maintenance, I walked the whole boundary with Miss Shirley and all fences were intact. We know that a corner of the chainlink fence was later bent back and that St John’s-on-the-Hill School were subsequently using it regularly as a way on to the field, which was disgraceful.”

Mr Hossack added: “The agreement we have with the council is for maintenance only. The entrance is our responsibility and we have the relevant insurances in place. We have tried to be conciliatory but this was an aggressive meeting and also one at which a recording was made without the public first being made aware of the fact. We should be working in harmony and trying to do the best for the area. It’s upsetting that it has come to this.”

“We have a duty of care, “said Cllr Powell, “and we aim to make the area safe for everybody. The clerk at the meeting was using a computer to record proceedings for the first time.

He wanted to reflect accurately the views expressed, but when he went to stop the recording at the end of the meeting, he pressed the wrong button and overwrote the first recording completely.

“We have no immediate plans to enforce this decision. We wish to maintain a good relationship with the trust, but this is not the way to get along with partners.”

Brian Watkins, local highways manager at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Dog walkers regularly use this hole in the fence to access the private field, but do so at their own risk as it is not a proper entrance.

“There is no footway on that side of the road; people come in and out behind trees on the inside of a bend and are not easily visible to motorist.”

“Someone should write a book about the goings-on of a parish council,” added Mr Hossack, “or has J K Rowling covered that already?”