By Julie Waters
A CAMPAIGN is growing to save a pathway that has been used by generations of people in Carnalea for over 80 years, by establishing it as a public right of way.
Bangor West residents were shocked to see the long used pedestrian route linking Carnalea train station to the North Down Coastal Path fenced off at both the entrances to the path and Killaire wastewater pumping station.
Following the public outcry, the council has confirmed that the path is located on privately owned land, and the local authority records show it is an ‘alleged’ public right of way.
The local authority also explained the landowners are under no legal obligation to keep the path open to the public; however a council investigation is currently underway following the receipt of ‘recent evidence’.
Campaigners are now calling on local people to add their voices to the call for the pathway to be saved by completing a Public Right of Way evidence form available on the council website.
Amongst those calling for the public to help preserve the public access, is former North Down mayor Brian Wilson who has used the pathway for eight decades.
Sharing his concerns about the path closure, former assemblyman Mr Wilson said: “I have used this path for 80 years. When I was a child living in Carnalea we used the right of way to get to Crawfordsburn beach. It was also used by train passengers going down to the coastal path and the railway still has an exit directly opposite the path.”
Green Party councillor Barry McKee said the ‘sudden closure’ has caused frustration among many people in the community who ‘value access to North Down’s renowned coastal path network’.
The Bangor West councillor stressed that while the land is private, protections do exist under Northern Ireland law for long-established public rights of way.
Mr McKee said that according to the council’s guidance, a public right of way may be recognised where the public has enjoyed uninterrupted access ‘as of right’ for at least 20 years.
“This path has been freely used by local people for generations,” said Mr McKee. “Even though it crosses private land, there are established legal processes to assess and protect long-standing public access.
Mr McKee is urging anyone who has ever used the path, whether in recent years or decades ago, to help by submitting evidence to the council.
“When completing an evidence form, it’s important that the accompanying map clearly shows the full route used.
“It should include the entire journey from Carnalea Train Station to the Coastal Path or alternatively, from Station Road to the Coastal Path. As Killaire Road is not an adopted road, it is essential that this section of the route is also marked on the map.
“Including the full journey ensures that the council receives the comprehensive evidence required to accurately assess the historical use and potential right of way along the whole route. Any forms submitted without the full route along the unadopted road will not be able to be considered.”
Alliance politician alderman Martin McRandal said it is important the councillors act to protect rights of way for the public good.
“I have engaged with interested parties, including those who use this right of way and the landowner at Killaire Road,” he said. “There is a process that must be gone through by council.”
“An investigation can begin once six witness evidence forms are received, along with any supporting historic and relevant evidence, attesting to the use of this route for over twenty years without interruption.
“Anyone requiring any assistance in relation to this matter is welcome to contact me.”
The Spectator has reached out to the landowner for comment.
