Iconic Path to Re-open

A meeting yesterday could be pivotal in re-opening the Cunning Green. Closed since 2013, there are signs that we could see it available again for next spring. First, though, some background:

• The footpath closed because part of the retaining wall collapsed.

• The footpath is the responsibility of the county council but the walls are that of the respective landowner.

• Sections of the wall not at the collapsed point were deemed to be unsafe.

• There began a long-running dispute about who owned the wall and consequently who should pay to make the walls safe.

The council managed to get grant funding towards half of the costs of repair. It also had in place a contractor to undertake the work. The issue, however, was the contribution from the two landowners. That, we now understand, is in place. Both of them are prepared to pay up the other half. Nothing will start, however, till such time as the landowners' money is in the bank.

The council is now hopeful of a contractor being on site in early January. This is just as well, as the grant funding from Cadwyn Clwyd runs out in the first week of February. The contractor will make good the collapsed wall, with the future aim of rebuilding it.

At the opposite end, nearer the Castle, there are half a dozen of castellations requiring repair. The contractors will deal with this, too. The work is expected to last between three and four weeks, after which there will need to be a thorough safety audit of the entire structures before a spring re-opening.

Image c/o the Daily Post