A CAMPAIGN is being mounted to preserve an ancient ‘hidden treasure’ in Knutsford.

A footpath from King Street to Church Hill has been open for more than 140 years and is shown on Victorian OS maps.

It is one of a number of historic cut throughs that survives from the medieval burgage plot layout of the town.

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The pathway beside the Spanish restaurant Evuna provides a less-steep route to Egerton Place.

Whilst the path has always been freely accessed, it is not a recorded public right of way and the land has no recorded owner.

However, since gates were installed at both ends of the path earlier this year, people have been left uncertain about whether they can still use it.

Knutsford Town Council is now collating an application to register the claimed public right of way to preserve its use.

So far, 15 users of the short cut have officially pledged their support.

Whilst the gates are never locked and access along the path has not been prevented, their installation creates a point of challenge under public rights of way law and a claim must be made or the right to use the path could be lost.

The Town Council has been speaking to the owners of properties along Church Hill about the installation of the gates.

They explained that the gates were installed to deter antisocial behaviour in the evenings.

One resident said: “The gates are closed in the evenings to deter opportunistic misuse by people looking for somewhere out of sight.

“There is currently a spate of antisocial behaviour in our town, even during the afternoons, so intermittently the gates may need to be closed in the afternoons.

“We have no intention of deterring the legitimate use of this cut through but we do request users re-close the gates behind them if they find them closed, in respect of our safety and the protection of our property.”

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “We respect that the intentions of the current landowners are well meaning and that they do not have the aim of depriving access along this route.

“However, we believe there is a strong case that a public right of way exists here and will proceed with an application for this to be registered to protect longer-term access.

“We are pleased that the current residents are keen to work with the council to ensure the passageway can continue to be one of Knutsford’s hidden treasures.”

Any users of the path who can provide evidence of at least 20 years of usage, that is, since 2004 or before, are asked to call the Town Council on 01565 653 929 or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to obtain an evidence form.