Borgue residents still waiting to hear outcome of beach access row

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Residents along the Borgue shore are still waiting to hear if access to a popular beach is to be restored.A double lock has been put on a gate to a track down to the sea at Kirkandrews.Locals claim the path is a historic right of way and still used by many people.The council’s access team was called in and evidence of use questionnaires were sent out to all local households.The deadline for submissions was September 30 – but residents have heard nothing since.Local man Chris Brown is among those who completed the survey form and is now hoping for a positive outcome.He said: “There is massive support to put the track back to the way it used to be.

People are really annoyed about it.“You can jump over the gate but if you’re unwell or disabled you can’t do that.”Council access officer Richard Masters circulated the evidence of use survey.It contained a series of questions on how often the track was used by vehicles and pedestrians.An accompanying letter reminded residents of the council’s responsibilities regarding public access.It stated: “Our council has a duty under section 46 of the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967.

It shall be the duty of a local planning authority to assert, protect and keep open and free from obstruction or encroachment any public right of way which is wholly or partly within their area.“They may for these purposes institute and defend legal proceedings and generally take such steps as they may feel expedient.”Mr Brown, 57, a consultant with British Standards Institution, said the dispute began when the core path was temporarily re-routed down the track for safety reasons as construction materials were being brought in for a new house nearby.The core path was restored to its original route – but