Fuming couple find tyres slashed after putting gate on path across driveway

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A fuming couple have had the tyres on their vehicle slashed after putting a gate on a public footpath that lies on their property, which they have been trying to get rid of for twenty years.Jean and Graham Underdown have spent two decades attempting to get the footpath across their driveway removed.

They say they have faced other instances of vandalism, including having rocks and a breeze block thrown at their cars. The couple said that their attempts to block the footpath had resulted in further upset and they often find mud and dog mess left on their driveway report Wales Online.Despite many attempts to get the path removed amid claims their privacy was being infringed, many residents have said they were frustrated that their right to walk across it is being hindered.Speaking to Wales Online about the path, Jean said: "Some people like to walk over and have a look at what I am growing in the garden and things like that.

It is intrusive. We came here thinking: 'Right, we have got a private drive. We will not have every Tom, Dick, and Harry walking through our property', but that is exactly what happened."There was always an agreement between the local council and the developers that access was required into a nearby field from the property and a vehicle access point was created where the footpath, called Footpath 73, crosses from the Underdowns' driveway and into the nearby field.This was for the maintenance of Porthkerry Country Park.

A council report states there was a requirement for pedestrian access to also be provided, but this did not happen.An application for a public right of way was made in 1999 However, Jean disputed this.