A neighbour row has erupted in South Wales after a new mansion owner blocked access to a popular walking route by installing large metal gates and hiring security guards.
The controversial move has sparked outrage among residents in the Welsh village of Cwmparc, who say the path provides the only fully accessible route to a scenic forest overlooking the community.
It has even led to protests - around 70 demonstrators descended outside the mansion's gates on Sunday afternoon to voice their opposition to the closure.
Protesters held placards declaring "No to the gate! Our mountains are there for ALL to enjoy."
70 demonstrators descended outside the mansion's gates on Sunday afternoon
GB NEWS
The protest saw two groups converge on the site, with one taking a difficult mountain route to reach the gate to the forest, while another approached from Cwmparc on the opposite side.
During the demonstration, protest organiser Richard Clarke attempted to communicate with the homeowner through a Ring doorbell at the gate.
"Just letting you know that we have about 50 walkers on the mountainside... We are in an almost emergency situation here," Clarke said, requesting cooperation to open the gates.
The response from inside was brief: "Please leave. This is a private property."
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'Our mountains are there for ALL to enjoy,' protesters have warned the mansion owner
PA
The walking route holds deep significance for the local community, with some residents having scattered relatives' ashes along the path.
The forest area is regularly used by the local primary school for summer activities.
Residents say the path is used every hour by walkers accessing the woods.
The road is managed and operated by Natural Resources Wales - though the new homeowner claims the gates were erected on private land.
Local residents have branded the closure "cruel", insisting the road has always served as a crucial access route to the public forest.
According to a letter sent to Natural Resources Wales by councillor Sera Evans and MS Heledd Fychan, initial investigations with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council revealed new details about the gate's location.
The investigation found the gates had been erected on land which "formed part of the garden curtilage associated with the adjacent house along the lane and that it was the occupier of the property that had erected the gates".
