Locals and holidaymakers alike have always used the level public footpath on the seaward side of the Blue Anchor chalets to gain access to the coastal belt beyond.

But by unceremoniously closing the public footpath that has been used for more years than any of us have been on earth, the Blue Anchor chalet site owners have ensured that the less fit and those in pushchairs and wheelchairs who hitherto have enjoyed the coastal walk can no longer do so.

Shame on you, I hope you will enjoy your little enclave.

The “defined path” is now discovered as having been drawn by someone on a map back in 1949 - it was and remains impractical.

This so-called “path”, kept hidden for so many years by the county council, involves an unwaymarked point somewhere at sea where the intrepid explorer is expected to make a sharp turn to continue their walk at an undefined point below the high tide mark.

Survivors are then expected to climb a steep shingle bank to regain the coastal path.

Did no one at County Hall think to ask the parish vouncil for their opinion on what is clearly a dangerous public path that is often underwater before allowing the chalet site to close a well-used public footpath?

This line on the map has apparently been kept secret from the Ordnance Survey, who have clearly shown the public footpath to be on the top of the bank on every issue of their maps since the war.

Why are county so out of step with reality - do they talk to no-one?

Previous owners of the site have encouraged the public onto the chalet site to use the shop when it was there and never objected to the public using their footpath.

We all enjoyed the bay together - that is until February this year when a few thought their investment might be spoilt by the public using their ancient footpath.

Bad enough for the fit walker, but a vindictive move against all those who enjoy the provisions of the Disability Act and access to the countryside.

Despite all this, and the evidence on the ground, the public has to prove that we have used the footpath without challenge for at least 20 years.

Many forms are already returned and we are looking for all those who haven’t yet sent in the straightforward Evidence of use Forms.

Further forms are available from me or can be downloaded from my web page jimbutterworth.co.uk/evidence.htm

Please do it at once or we shall all lose the ability to enjoy this beautiful part of our heritage.

Jim Butterworth, Grove Road, Blue Anchor.