Bid to pull down gates blocking popular path

A COUNCIL is seeking to remove controversial gates that have blocked access to a popular walking path.

- ANTHONY LEWIS Local democracy reporter

After vocal protests from local people, Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council has announced it intends to serve a legal notice to pursue the removal of gates outside a home at the entrance of Cwmparc forestry.

When the gates were installed at the private property in Cwmparc, near Treorchy, it sparked anger in the community and led to protests earlier this year.

The owners of the home claimed their private entrance bordering the public walking path had “been abused” since moving into the home in 2024.

In February, residents gathered outside the property in protest at the installation as it blocked the only accessible route to Cwmparc forestry.

They described it as “beyond cruel to be cut off” from the path to the mountain.

The family who own the property spoke out about the reasons why they chose to install the gates after safety concerns.