RESIDENTS of a newly built housing estate in Ross-on-Wye have come together to support a campaign to change a path that leads to nowhere to it being used to access the town centre.

When the Orchards development in Hildersley was first constructed David Wilson Homes created an attractive green space, complete with multiple play facilities and a path that leads straight into a hedge.

When planning permission was granted for the development, a key condition was the creation of a safe pedestrian link from the Ross side of the estate across open countryside to connect with the Town and Country trail.

This commitment was formalised through the monies paid by the developer to the local authority.

Councillor Ed O’Driscoll who is campaigning on behalf of the residents to get the footpath completed, said: “This is exactly the sort of forward-thinking measure we should expect encouraging active travel, improving connectivity, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

“However, alongside these positives sits a problem that residents understandably find both frustrating and perplexing with what can only be described as a ‘path to nowhere’.

The issue is that the proposed footpath crosses Ministry of Defence land, but the body did not consent to the path being built on its land, siting security issues when the gun range was in use.

Cllr O’Driscoll continued: “Sadly, the path has not been delivered and ends after just a few metres at the boundary hedge.

“For residents, the result is deeply unsatisfactory. They have moved into a development where a promised link, that’s central to how the estate connects with the wider town, simply does not exist.”

At last week’s gathering of residents Len Blinston said that he’d only bought the property because it was going to have a direct footpath into town.

He added: “It’s deeply disappointing that the promised footpath hasn’t materialised. I’m hopeful that it can be achieved if the various bodies agree a solution to the problem.”

Cllr O’Driscoll told the assembled gathering: “It’s the residents who are left dealing with the consequences of failing to deliver infrastructure tied to approved planning permission.

“I don’t believe this is an insurmountable problem. There are already practical safety measures in place around the firing range in the overlooking woodland, including gated closures and clear signage when the range is in use.

“It seems entirely reasonable to explore whether a similar approach could be applied at the bottom of the range allowing the path to exist, while ensuring it can be safely closed when necessary.”

The residents of the new development said that the green space is well used, especially those with dogs and stated that the path’s original plan should be implemented, as it would avoid the busy A40 road.

“I Intend to work with residents, Herefordshire Council, the Ministry of Defence, and David Wilson Homes to find a constructive way forward, Cllr O’Driscoll told the residents.

“This should not remain a path to nowhere. With a degree of common sense and cooperation, there is every opportunity to turn it into what it was always intended to be, a safe, practical and much-valued link between this new community and the town it calls home.”