A PROPOSAL to create a definitive right of way between Troy Way and Redbrook Road has been put before Monmouth Town Council’s planning committee.

Ms Angela Jones said that she was looking for support in trying to put the walk on Ordnance survey maps so that the walk can be protected from further encroachment.

Committee members heard that the present walk from Troy Gardens across the Duke of Beaufort Bridge was presently not protected as a defined right of way and although no cost to the town council was involved, Ms Jones said the support of members would be appreciated.

The route has been well used since 1965 when the railway closed. It is used daily by walkers, walking groups, cyclists, dog walkers, visitors and commuters to work from Wyesham to Overmonnow and Mitchel Troy.

An application was made by Sustrans for the Links 2 Project but time ran out before the cycleway could be constructed. Sustrans are very supportive of a definitive right of way being established. It is listed on the Sustrans map as Cycle Route 423.

This route could be under threat from building plans behind Troy Gardens. Two planning applications for building in Troy Gardens have put forward in the past but later withdrawn.

It is understood that tests are being carried out on the land, Ms Jones feels that her proposal for the definitive right of way should be put forward before building on the land happens.

Ms Jones also added that both councillors Kelly Jackson-Graham and Cllr Treharne are being very supportive with this as Ms Jones cannot progress this application on her own.

Thanking them both for taking the time to walk the route with her and collecting information, it was further explained that the path is at present called a permissive path but to have a definitive path would mean it would be confirmed as a path on Ordnance Survey maps.

Ms Jones also added that many people in Monmouth do not realise it is not documented on the definitive map as a right of way.

It is claimed evidence goes back more than 20 years indicating people use this footpath.

Ms Jones requested that the council be responsible for the application to define the route as a Definitive Right of Way. She has definitive maps which will be required and believes no fee is involved but feels that more people should be aware of this proposal.

If anyone wishes to support the scheme by providing evidence that the path has been in use over the years and willing to fill in a form they can email [email protected]