RESIDENTS of a Monmouthshire village have lost their battle to keep an access road open, a decision they claim will impair access for emergency vehicles.

Campaigners in Pen-y-Fan have lost their battle to keep an access road open through woodland known as Beacon Hill.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has taken steps to restrict unauthorised vehicular use of the woodlands following consultations with Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and residents.

NRW has confirmed that the road is not a public highway, and that MCC is not in a position to adopt the road as a public highway.

A spokesperson for NRW said: “No residents have come forward with evidence from their deeds of their right of access and no requests for prescriptive rights have been received by NRW or MCC via the Land Registry.

“As a result, we have proceeded with our plans to install the barriers.”

County Councillor Debbie Blakeborough, who is representing the residents on this matter, said that NRW do not appreciate the consequences of putting barriers up.

“We tried to get MCC Highways to adopt the road, but budget cuts mean they are unable to help.

“NRW says the Welsh Government are cutting their budget, but they are cutting them off to the point of being unsafe. It always seems to be rural areas who don’t receive support when it’s needed most,” she added.

Residents have voiced their concern that emergency vehicles will not be able to get to their properties along the narrow highway.

“The access lane to the top of Pen-y-Fan has not widened over the years but the lorries and machinery needed to function in this day and age have got bigger,” said resident Sue Kedward.

“NRW assure me that the emergency services will have a key if they need it and the fire truck will cut the barrier in an emergency! My ambulance in July came from the Forest of Dean and was able to get here. The one from Cardiff for my friend couldn’t get here and was guided in through the wood two hours later. The fire service were called before the last meeting and they said only their Landrover would be able to attend as the road is too narrow.”

Natural Resources Wales add: “It is most unusual to find an NRW managed woodland, like Beacon Hill, with open access to public vehicles. The installation of barriers here is completely in line with the approach which NRW has taken in other woodlands across South Wales. The design and location of the barriers has been carefully considered by NRW in consultation with Monmouthshire County Council Public Rights of way Officer to ensure that footpaths and bridleways are kept open to find a solution which is in the best interests of all woodland users, and which does not infringe upon the rights of local residents.  We also intend to maintain a public car park within a short walking distance of the woodland, so have not inconvenienced visitors who wish to park and walk in the woodlands.  

“NRW are willing to consider issuing annual vehicle permissions to those local residents in Pen-y-Fan who can provide evidence that they may have reasonable cause to request such permission. Emergency services and SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) hold NRW barrier keys should they be required. We would not encourage ambulances to leave the public highway and travel along unsuitably maintained forest roads in the case of an emergency.”