A VILLAGE row has exploded with locals threatening to tear down a set of £10,000 gates blocking off a shared path to “a mountain paradise”.
For generations, people have crossed a tiny patch of private land to reach Cwmparc Mountain to take in the views and admire Peregrine falcons and buzzards.
Protestors are angry about a proposed gate which would cut off a route to the mountainsRichard Swingler/Media Wales
The protest was attended by around 100 villagersRichard Swingler/Media Wales
AthenaThe entrance to the property whose owners had gates installed in Cwmparc near Treorchy[/caption]
AthenaLocal resident Barry Ray is among those campaigning[/caption]
But a year ago new owners moved into an imposing property known locally as “The James Bond House”, which stands at the foot of the mountain.
The owners preside over a small patch of land that visitors need to cross to reach the mountain, 1,600ft above sea level.
They claim they have witnessed “dangerous driving, dog fouling, people urinating, aggression, theft, drugs and air rifles” since moving in last year
To combat the issue, the wealthy couple last month erected imposing grey gates to seal off the mountain track at Cwmparc, Rhondda, South Wales.
The move has left locals irate, with one villager saying: “A walk up the mountain was like stepping into heaven, but now we can’t get there because of the gates of hell.
“It’s a horrible way to treat people.”
Villagers feared the worst when the owners brought in security to stand 24/7 guard over the entrance to the mountain and its network of paths stretching dozens of miles.
Two CCTV cameras were installed, focusing on the gates to film anyone trying to get through.
David Powell, 53, who lives just 200 yards away, said: “There’s a fella threatening to use his pick-up truck to attach some chains to the gates and pull them down.
“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but feelings are running high and people feel their right to walk up the mountain has been stopped.
“I’ve used that path all my life, I go up there to look at the Peregrine falcons, buzzards and red kites.
“It’s a mountain paradise that the locals have used as far back as anyone can remember.”
The new owners, named locally as Laura and Adam Drew, incensed locals further by putting up a sign saying “no unauthorised access” – and made it look like an official forestry sign.
More than 70 people turned up for a peaceful protest in driving rain waving banners proclaiming: “No to the gate. Our mountains are there for all to enjoy.”
A social media campaign is under way and a petition has been signed by more than 3,000 locals.
NHS worker Anna Davies, 51, said: “The property has been there for years, people call it the James Bond House because it looks like somewhere he would live.
“The gates have been put up on a path that’s used by so many people, it was a Godsend during Covid.
“Schools take children on nature treks up there , I love it because once you’ve got to the top it’s downhill all the way.
“We had a huge turnout at the protest despite the pouring rain – people are furious their mountain has been taken away from them.”
The mountain access row – known jokingly as Gategate – has been taken up by Rhondda MP Chris Bryant and local Senedd Member Buffy Williams.
The code for a keypad to open the electric gates has been given to National Resources Wales who manage the mountain and to the Fire Brigade in case grass fires break out.
Environmental worker Matteusz Morga, 40, said he and girlfriend Anna Rogowska, 37, may have to see their terraced house nearby after living in the village of Cwmparc for 12 years.
Protesters have threatened to tear down the gateRichard Swingler/Media Wales
AthenaA sign by the gates reading ‘No unauthorised access’[/caption]
AthenaPolish-born local resident Matteusz Morga said the mountain is the reason he moved to the area[/caption]
Athena.Locals congregated at the gates off Vicarage Terrac to protest[/caption]
Poland-born Matteusz said: “The mountain is the reason we came here, we were driving through the valley from the other side and just thought it was so beautiful.
“We both use it for mountain biking, trail running and walking – my girlfriend could not sleep after the gates were put up.
“It’s a unique area and should be accessible for everyone. If the gates stay up we may sell up and move to another part of Wales.”
Retired engineer Barrie Ray, 76, who lives in Cwmparc, said: “I’m so angry, it’s only about 20 yards of land that people have to cross.
“I just don’t believe their list of complaints. I’ve never heard anyone climbing mountains to take drugs. It’s nonsense.
“There was never a problem until these new people moved in. They haven’t integrated into village life, all we had is negativity.”
Mr Ray added that locals were annoyed that police were helping the landowners to stop walkers going over their land while local crime is on the increase.
The owners of the property and the controversial strip of their land failed to answer the two side doors to their property when Sun Online visited.
They issued a full statement earlier saying: “Our family made Cwmparc our home about a year ago and we have enjoyed settling our children in such a beautiful, welcoming community.
“Our property borders the forestry and our private entrance has been abused in a way that has left us no choice but to consult with authorities and advisers over what we should do.
“Our home and family were being subjected to illegal parking, dangerous driving (a child nearly knocked over), out-of-control dogs, dog-fouling, people urinating, aggression, theft, drugs, and air rifles.
“The issues continued, including torches being shone through the children’s bedroom at night. A decision was made that we needed to put security gates at our home to keep our children safe.
“We want to thank NRW, Welsh Water, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and the council for the time they have given to the issue and their support and approvals throughout.
“We want to thank the police who work tirelessly to keep everyone safe and who have provided reassurance to our family after several serious threats have been made.”
The couple said they are “working hard” to find an alternative solution including using an existing path at the side of their property which would provide an alternative route.
Their statement continued: “Work on clearing the path has already started but we ask for the community’s patience and understanding as the progress is weather-dependent.
“There is also an unused allotment to the right where an access gate could be installed and our family would personally help the community clear this to give access to the mountain provided we have the necessary consent.
“Thank you to those of you who have shown kindness and understanding towards the difficult situation we find ourselves in.
“Your kind words as fellow parents have motivated us to keep our faith in our community and help find an alternative solution which meets the needs of everyone concerned.
“We will engage directly with authorities in working on an alternative solution and ask the community to please direct any questions or suggestions you may have through the relevant official channels.”
AthenaA banner in protest of the newly installed gates[/caption]
AthenaAerial view of in Cwmparc near Treorchy[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
