Winterton and Hemsby villagers set for footpath battle
Some want it to reopen, others want it to stay closed
A stretch of path in Norfolk that's less than 100 metres long is set to be the focus of a showdown between villagers, holiday park owners and government officials to resolve a 10-year dispute.
The lengthy saga centres on a tiny section of a blocked-off footpath that runs along the dunes between Winterton and Hemsby.
It has been cut off by a property owner living next to the Winterton Valley holiday park since 2015 but now a public inquiry will be held to determine whether or not it should reopen.
In 2021, walkers in the two villages fought a successful appeal to get it reopened.
However, a fresh appeal against that decision was lodged and now the warring parties will face officials from the Planning Inspectorate – the government department that presides over footpath disputes – who will hear from both sides before making a legal judgement.
The path in question
The narrow path at the end of Bush Road in Winterton, known locally as the Long Beach footpath, has been used by residents and holidaymakers as a shortcut between Winterton Valley Estate and the Long Beach Estate for decades.
It is about a 2km walk between the two coastal destinations, with both drawing thousands of visitors each year to their sandy beaches.
But it has never been declared a public right of way by Norfolk County Council.
Connections cut
In 2015, it was cut off after Johanna MacArthur and her husband – who used to own the plot it passes through – realised they were liable for the safety of those using it and that they could be sued if anyone was harmed there.
Speaking at the time, Mrs MacArthur said: “It turns out we are legally responsible for people who use the path. There’s no back-up from the local authority and we can’t afford that level of public liability insurance.”
The couple have since sold the property but the legal dispute continues.
Villagers will present their evidence to the official next month, which they say shows its use since the 1930s.
Final showdown
Richard Verschoyle, who is in his 80s and lives in Winterton, is one of the locals involved.
He said: “Currently the path is blocked by two fences. When we won the appeal we thought things may change but this was counter-appealed.
“It has not been used for 10 years now but I have spoken to people who walked the route since the 1930s.
“It is the only safe route between Winterton and Hemsby that you can walk along to avoid the traffic.”
James Cole, whose family have been landowners in Winterton since the 1930s and runs the Winterton Valley holiday park, hopes it will remain closed.
“It is our understanding that there is no public right of way and Norfolk County Council also confirmed this after investigating in 2015.
“After it was closed off in 2015, we noticed a big reduction in the amount of antisocial behaviour we faced. Before that, we experienced lots of problems. It was like a tap turning off.
“Ultimately the decision will come down to points of law and it will be decided once and for all.
Whatever the outcome, all involved will be relieved when the dispute is resolved after such a lengthy process that has lasted a decade.
The public inquiry will be held at Hemsby Village Hall in Winters Lane at 10am on Tuesday, September 17.