Tollerton Parish Council has formally requested Nottinghamshire County Council, as the local highway authority, to take action under the Highways Act 1980 to remove an obstruction from a public right of way.
The Council says that it became aware today of multiple obstructions on the well-used public footpath that connects Tollerton to the neighbouring villages of Clipston and Cotgrave.
On Thursday, 24 July, contractors installed fencing across the footpath, blocking access off Tollerton Lane. When approached by parish councillors, the contractors stated they were ‘acting on behalf of the Vistry Group’ councillors have said.
Vistry Group are the developers who own some of the airfield land at the centre of controversy over its closure, despite no planning permission or masterplan being submitted.
Tollerton PC says that no official notification of a closure has been issued to them, and no signage warns those approaching from Cotgrave or Clipston of the obstruction. Walkers from these directions currently have no option but to retrace their steps, causing significant inconvenience.
The obstructed route is a clearly marked public right of way on both 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps and includes bridges across the Polser Brook. It has been in consistent use by residents over many years.
The new fencing extends well beyond the proposed development boundary and into the protected green belt, raising local concerns about the proximity of future housing to the existing village.
Vistry has been contacted for comment.
