Walkers have criticised a homes developer for encroaching on to the popular Nantwich Riverside Loop walk.
Barratt Homes are already laying out their site at the Malbank Waters development on land off Queens Drive, Nantwich.
But these pictures appear to show how barrier fencing on the edge of the site is proving an obstacle for users of the popular three-mile Loop which was opened in 2011.
Jonathan White, who was on the walk at the weekend, said: “Barratt have fenced-off/pegged-off land for their Malbank Waters development but have only left a small gap for the Nantwich Riverside Loop walk.
“Myself and a friend had issues completing our route as we were pushed towards the hedgerow and forced to step over fence supports in order to link up with the Shropshire Union canal section of the walk.”
Many had objected to the Queens Drive scheme which saw Gladman Developments secure planning persmission for 270 homes after they took the original refusal by Cheshire East Council to appeal.
Nantwich Town Cllr Arthur Moran, who lives on Queens Drive, said: “The Riverside Loop is very popular and that footpath must be open and not impeded.
“If it is being obstructed and the fencing is too close I shall be taking this up with Cheshire East and developers.”
He also raised the issue at this week’s Nantwich Town Council meeting.
“I know someone who walked up there recently who tripped over a fence support, so it could be dangerous,” he told the meeting.
“I’m already writing to Cheshire Highways to raise concerns over the site entrance and the bridge which has a weight limit on it.”
The Nantwich Riverside Loop, funded by Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd, was a partnership project involving Cheshire East Council and British Waterways.
It received support from voluntary organisations including Riverside Concern, Nantwich in Bloom, Nantwich Civic Society, Shropshire Union Canal Society, Nantwich Town Council and Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Council.
We contacted Barratt Homes and their publicity team and are still awaiting a reply.
(pictures courtesy of Jonathan White)
Walked the Loop with U 3A strollers on Weds.The fencing is certainly impeding the footpath .Does anyone check on these developers once the project commences.Which way are all the building materials going to access the site .Glad I don’t live on Queens Drive,that area of Nantwich can be a bottleneck as it is !