WITH regards to the public footpath and the letter from 'Sympathetic Leyther' (Journal Mailbox, July 18).

I have used the path in question for the past 36 years and I have yet to see these louts that have been mentioned. I've come down this path in pitch dark on my own every night coming from work in winter with just a small torch, and I have had no fear at all.

These walks have been on the maps since 1910 and are designated footpaths. These people bought the properties knowing there was a path at the back. Of the few properties backing on to the path, one is up for sale and one is rented out, so they will be moving away.

I use these footpaths to walk with my grandchildren through the fields as they are intended. My children have used this path and my neighbours' children over 36 years, why should this path be closed.

Houses will be robbed wherever they are, it's the times we live in, and you should find out the facts before you condemn people as petty. We in this area are very caring people, but we do not like being dictated to by people that have only been in the area for eight years and less.

Closing the path without any consideration for people that use it to get to the bus stop and local shops.

Path Walker

(address supplied)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.