Nant y Bella footpath September 2020, I was looking at reported issues on footpaths, featured on the Conwy website and noticed a few reports regarding problems with footpaths near to Gwrych. An issue that had been reported by someone other than myself seemed to have remained unattended to for some time, while other issues had been looked into and resolved rather quickly. I reported a problem with some vegetation blocking the route, on the same public right of way with the outstanding issue, and, I awaited my response. I didn’t wait long for the Environment, roads and facilities (ERF) department to look into the issue, I got a reply within 24hours. My reply was ‘no action necessary’
I made further enquiries that led me to understand that this particular footpath was to be extinguished in a matter of weeks, the reason given was after proposed consultation with the ‘Conway Valley Ramblers Association’ (CVRA) It had been decided that the footpath was in fact an anomaly.
To permanently delete without any investigation or public consultation, Conwy would simply make the order (without objections) supported by CVRA and that’s it, signed by the sectary of state our footpath is gone forever. Some might say the path has no purpose, it goes nowhere. It appears to me, to be a historic route that passes a well that’s still in existence today. The small section of the public path may seem insignificant but we need to step back and look a the bigger picture. I soon made my objections to the ERF department regarding their proposal to extinguish, I understand that others notified ERF of their objections. In my opinion, this was a great achievement with just a few objections. Without those objections, our path would most likely have been deleted by now.
If anyone has any photos, local knowledge of the path, and would be willing to contribute towards this site feel free comment.
