Petition launched as popular walking trail is blocked near Ironbridge
A petition has been launched after an old track popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders was blocked off by a resident in Jackfield.
The old lane runs between Calcutts Road and Chapel Lane.
There are claims it has been used by the public for more than 200 years, but it is not yet recognised as a public right of way.
Sally-Anne Robinson, vice-chairman for Telford Bridleways Association, says it provides a safe and scenic route for people to access the Severn Way from Broseley and saves people the need to use the busy Ironbridge Road.
In order to try and get the route recognised as a public right of way, she submitted an application to Telford & Wrekin Council for a definitive map modification order (DMMO) in March.
But she says a decision is yet to be made and recently a resident has blocked off the route with fencing and a locked gate.
Ms Robinson says people are dismayed because they can no longer access the track.
In order to put pressure on the council to come to a decision more quickly, she and members of Broseley Bridleways Association have launched a petition.
Ms Robinson is encouraging anyone who has been affected to sign it and show their support.
She said: "Historically evidence shows that this has been an old road since the first ordnance survey maps were produced in 1817 – that’s 200 years of use.
"A DMMO for this track was submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council in March to request that this old road is officially recognised as a public right of way.
"However now its use by all has been completely prevented.
“We have an online petition for people to sign to request the council to expedite their decision on the DMMO which we submitted.
"Unfortunately the blockage affects a lot of people in Broseley who come under Shropshire Council so unless they work in the Telford and Wrekin borough, then their signatures don’t count.
"It’s very frustrating as this popular old lane is very close to the council boundary.”
Telford & Wrekin Council said it would be happy to consider any submissions that an application should be given a higher priority.
It cannot take any enforcement action unless the DMMO application is granted.
Anyone who would like to sign the petition can call Ms Robinson on 07768 094000 or email sally-anne.robinson@outlook.com
