The Ross Gazette has recently been contacted by several local residents who have complained about poor access when trying to walk to Backney Bridge. This is a well-known beauty spot near Ross-on-Wye which used to be a well-used picnic site, and was popular with walkers and visitors to the area, as well as locals.

Currently, there is a gate, padlocked on both sides, that restricts the access to the former visitors’ parking area. One local resident told the Ross Gazette that he had to help an elderly lady who had to climb over the gate to access Backney Bridge.

The security measures were put in place after Herefordshire Council, who are still the owners of the site, became concerned about vandalism there. Ownership of the land is still currently in a process of transition.

Kate Hughes, Sellack Parish Council Clerk, confirmed that the land will shortly be under Parish Council ownership. She said: “We can expect that the Parish Council will own Backney Common by the end of the year. Although the area of restricted access is unfortunate, it is a positive that the land will very soon be properly accessible again.”

For more information, visit the Sellack Parish Council website at www.sellackparishcouncil.co.ukSee this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.