Residents on right path to victory

People living on The Paddocks in Thrybergh closed the route in June after years of anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and crime.

Now they have been told by the Department of Transport that the path can remain blocked off.

June Parsons, who was behind the erection of the fence, said that she had been informed that no-one objected to the closure, meaning the fence can remain in place.

Residents — who have been trying to get the footpath closed for years — have been backed by MP John Healey, Thrybergh Parish Council, Streetpride and Rotherham Borough Council among others.

Problems on the land behind the homes have included dumping of stolen cars, nuisance motorcyclists, dumped beer cans, fires, burglaries, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Parsons told the Advertiser of her relief at the decision.

She said: “No one in the rest of the country has objected to blocking up the footpath so the fence is to stay up forever.

“If the fence had to come down it would have been a waste.”

Mrs Parsons thanked all the organisations and individuals who had supported the fight to keep the fence up.

She said: “They all did a first class job.”

Residents were annoyed when Adrian Barker, of Springfield Drive, claimed the fence was forcing youngsters to cycle on a main road instead of using the footpath.

Mr Barker said that youngsters wanted to access the land for recreation but residents of The Paddocks said it was used for anti-social behaviour.