A footpath which has been closed for almost a year still cannot reopen due to risks of wall collapse. The footpath between Woodland Drive and Woodland Avenue in Hove was closed after a storm caused a brick wall and fencing to collapse in autumn last year. It was due to reopen on Tuesday with Sussex Police in attendance, after Brighton and Hove City Council sent a letter updating the residents of Woodland Drive.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and the public realm, wrote in the letter: ”We have been working with the resident and their insurance company to get it reopened. “We now believe a solution has been found which will see the footpath reopened soon.” However, further structural issues were discovered and a row broke out with another neighbour who states the twitten is private.
After complaints from 80 local residents who wish to use the footpath again, the council sought legal advice and said it will be issuing a Legal Event Order. The order is pursuant to s53(3)(a) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which confirms the twitten is a public footpath. The Order is pursuant to s53(3)(a) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Image: Woodland Drive Twitten Action Group) Cllr Muten said: “We had intended to clear and re-open the path on Tuesday, however when inspecting the site it became clear that other sections of the wall are at risk of collapse and so we have unfortunately had to keep it closed until the area has been made safe by the wall�.