A LANDOWNER has voiced concerns that cutting back overgrown vegetation on an historic beck side path will encourage people to use it for campfires, an upper dale parish council was told.
The proposal to tidy up the path, which is not a right way, alongside Newbiggin Beck was put forward by Middleton-in-Teesdale parish councillor Wayne Appleton in May.
He said the historic path was popular with residents, but had become very overgrown and stone steps at the end were in need of repair.
The council requested permission from Raby Estates for a party of volunteers, working under the auspices of the parish council to tidy up the path.
At their latest meeting however, clerk Judith Mashiter told members Raby’s land agent Joe Robinson had concerns that by making the path more accessible it would encourage people to get into the water and to use the area for campfires.
She added: “The situation with the steep sides of the bank means the beck is hidden from view.
“Joe is concerned that making the area more accessible would encourage people into the water and to use the area for campfires. He also said the steps at the other end of the path are non-existent, so it would be a walk but it would be a dead end.”
Cllr Sue Bainbridge said: “I have not seen anyone going up there.”
It was agreed the matter would be passed back to Cllr Appleton to canvass the opinion of residents.
